Why is it impossible to create a real image using a plane mirror?

Ethan Adams | 2023-06-10 23:06:57 | page views:1720
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Isabella Ross

Studied at the University of Seoul, Lives in Seoul, South Korea.
As a specialist in the field of optics, I can explain why it is impossible to create a real image using a plane mirror. To understand this, we need to delve into the principles of image formation by mirrors and the nature of plane mirrors.
Plane mirrors are characterized by their ability to reflect light without converging or diverging it. This is due to the fact that a plane mirror has a flat surface, which means that the light rays striking the mirror are reflected at the same angle at which they arrive. This property is described by the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
Now, let's consider the formation of images by a plane mirror. When an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, the light rays emanating from the object strike the mirror and are reflected back. Due to the flat nature of the mirror, the reflected rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror. This point is known as the virtual image of the object. The term "virtual" is used because the light rays do not actually converge at this point; rather, they only appear to do so when extended backwards.
The key point to understand here is that a real image is formed when light rays converge to form an image on a screen. This happens with converging lenses or mirrors, such as a convex lens or a concave mirror, which have the ability to bring light rays to a focus at a single point. In contrast, a plane mirror lacks this ability because it does not change the direction of light rays in a way that would cause them to converge.
Furthermore, the concept of a real image implies that it can be projected onto a screen. However, since the light rays from a plane mirror do not converge, they cannot form an image on a screen. This is another reason why a plane mirror cannot produce a real image.
To summarize, the impossibility of creating a real image with a plane mirror stems from two main reasons:
1. The law of reflection dictates that light rays are reflected at the same angle at which they arrive, preventing the convergence of light rays necessary for a real image.
2. The flat surface of a plane mirror does not refract or bend light in a way that would allow for the formation of a real image on a screen.
Now, let's move on to the translation of the explanation into Chinese.


2024-05-12 00:56:00

Harper Phillips

Studied at the University of Zurich, Lives in Zurich, Switzerland.
If the light rays coming from the virtual object converge at a point behind the plane mirror the reflected rays will converge in front of the mirror, forming a real image. ... Plane mirrors always produce virtual images, because they never focus light into a single converging point.
2023-06-13 23:06:57

Gabriel Wright

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
If the light rays coming from the virtual object converge at a point behind the plane mirror the reflected rays will converge in front of the mirror, forming a real image. ... Plane mirrors always produce virtual images, because they never focus light into a single converging point.
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