Spherical Mirror
A spherical mirror is a mirror whose reflecting surface forms part of a sphere.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
If the inner surface reflects, it is a concave mirror; if the outer surface reflects, it is a convex mirror. These mirrors are used because they can converge or diverge light and form different images depending on the object position.
Example
A dentist mirror is usually concave, while a vehicle rear-view mirror is usually convex.
Simple analogy
Inner surface curves in and can magnify; outer surface curves out and widens the view.
Common confusion
Students often mix up concave and convex by looking only at the shape, not the reflecting surface.
Exam tip
Always identify the reflecting surface first; inner surface means concave, outer surface means convex.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of spherical mirror in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define spherical mirror and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain spherical mirror, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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