# Mirror Formula for Convex Mirror

Consider a ray of light AB incident on a convex at point B and is then reflected back through BC. The ray of light is seems to be coming from IB. let us draw a perpendicular distance from point B to principle axis. While another ray of light passes through the principle axix and is then reflected back in its own path. Image I is formed by the intersection of two rays of light. Now, by using basic geometrical rules:

∠DBA = ∠BAF + ∠BFA
θ = α + β……… (i)
Also, ∠BIG = ∠IBF + ∠ BFI
γ = θ + β……… (ii)
Now, from equation (i) and (ii),
γ – β = α + β
2 β = γ – α……. (iii)
Since the value of α, β and γ is very small, we can write Tanα =α,  Tanβ =β and Tanγ= γ.
Now, in triangle ABG,
$$\text{Tan} \alpha = \alpha = \frac{\text{BG}}{\text{AG}}$$
In triangle BGF,
$$\text{Tan} \beta = \beta = \frac{\text{BG }}{\text{GF}}$$
In triangle BGI,
$$\text{Tan} \gamma = \gamma = \frac{\text{BG }}{\text{GI}}$$
Since, the aperture of a mirror is very small, so the point G lies nearly to the point P,
So, we can write,
$$\alpha = \frac{\text{BE }}{\text{AP}}$$
$$\beta = \frac{\text{BE }}{\text{DP}}$$
$$\gamma = \frac{\text{BE }}{\text{CP}}$$
Now, putting the value of α, β and γ in equation (iii) we get,
$$\frac{\text{2BG}}{\text{PF}} = \frac{\text{BG}}{\text{PI}} – {\frac{\text{BG}}{\text{AP}}}$$
Now, using sign convention,
$$\frac{\text{-2}}{\text{PF}} = {\frac{\text{-1}}{\text{PI}}} + {\frac{\text{-1}}{\text{AP}}}$$
$$or, \frac{\text{1}}{\text{u}} = {\frac{\text{1}}{\text{v}}} + {\frac{\text{2}}{\text{R}}}$$
$$\therefore \frac{\text{1}}{\text{f}} = {\frac{\text{1}}{\text{u}}} + {\frac{\text{1}}{\text{v}}}……(iv)$$

Equation (iv) is the mirror formula for convex mirror.

Do you like this article ? If yes then like otherwise dislike : 2