Question

Explain the following terms :

Pole, Center of curvature, Radius of curvature, Principal axis. Show them on separate diagrams for each of the concave and convex mirrors.

Answer 1

POLE: “The geometric center of the spherical mirror is called POLE.”

Or

“The midpoint of aperture AB of the mirror is called pole.”

P is pole of mirror.

CENTRE OF CURVATURE: “Is the center of hollow sphere of which the mirror forms a part.” It is represented by the symbol ‘ C ‘

RADIUS OF CURVATURE: “Is the radius of hollow sphere of which the mirror is a part”. It is represented by ‘R’

PRINCIPAL AXIS: “Is a straight line joining the pole of the mirror to its centre of curvature and extended further.”