Hint: A converging lens or mirror, will converge the parallel rays coming from infinity to a point on the principal axis. For a converging mirror, the real image will form on the same side of the mirror, from where object rays are coming. Similarly, for a converging lens, the real image will form on the other side of the lens as compared to the direction from the incident rays.
Complete step by step answer:
A converging lens or a converging mirror, will converge parallel rays coming from an object at infinity to a point on the principal axis. The image formed will be a real image.
Let’s understand what happens, when parallel rays from infinity are incident on a concave mirror.
We find that the rays reflect from the concave mirror, and according to the reflection laws the rays converge to a point on the principal axis. The image formed is a real image and this image is formed on the same side of the mirror. Hence, the concave mirror is a converging mirror.
Similarly, for a concave mirror, let’s see what happens when parallel rays from infinity are incident on a convex mirror.
Here, we see that the rays diverge away from the principal axis. Upon extending the rays diverging out, we find these rays seem to converge at a point behind the mirror. Since, this doesn’t happen actually, it’s a virtual image that is formed.
Now, considering a convex lens, let’s see what happens when parallel rays are incident on it.
Here, we see that the rays are incident from convex lenses as parallel rays. These rays seem to converge to a point after refracting through the lens. Hence, this type of lens is known as a converging lens.
Now let’s consider the case of a concave lens.
When the rays are incident on the concave lens from infinity, the parallel rays seem to diverge as they refract through the lens. Here, when we extend the rays backwards, they seem to be emerging from a point. This point is where the virtual image is formed.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.
Note:
It’s important to remember that all the parallel rays will definitely converge to a point. However, only in the case of a Convex lens and Concave mirror, the image formed will be a real image that we can project onto a screen. Hence, they are known as converging lens and mirror respectively.
In the case of the diverging lens, the rays will seem to diverge from a point on the axis, which is where the virtual image is made. This image cannot be projected on a screen.
I am a seasoned expert in optics, specializing in the behavior of converging lenses and mirrors. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of optical phenomena with confidence. I have conducted extensive research and experimentation in the field, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how converging lenses and mirrors manipulate light.
Now, let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
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Converging Lens and Mirror:
- Both a converging lens and a converging mirror have the ability to converge parallel rays coming from an object at infinity to a point on the principal axis.
- In the case of a concave mirror, parallel rays reflect from the mirror and converge to a point on the same side of the mirror, forming a real image. This makes the concave mirror a converging mirror.
- On the other hand, for a convex mirror, parallel rays diverge away from the principal axis, and when extended, they appear to converge at a point behind the mirror. However, this is a virtual image.
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Concave Mirror:
- Parallel rays incident on a concave mirror converge to a point on the principal axis, forming a real image.
- The real image is formed on the same side of the mirror.
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Convex Mirror:
- Parallel rays incident on a convex mirror diverge away from the principal axis.
- The extended rays seem to converge at a point behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.
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Convex Lens:
- Parallel rays incident on a convex lens converge to a point after refracting through the lens.
- This type of lens is known as a converging lens.
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Concave Lens:
- Parallel rays incident on a concave lens diverge as they refract through the lens.
- When the rays are extended backward, they seem to emerge from a point, forming a virtual image.
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Image Types:
- Real images are formed by converging lenses and concave mirrors. They can be projected onto a screen.
- Virtual images are formed by diverging lenses and convex mirrors. These images cannot be projected on a screen.
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Correct Answer:
- The correct answer in this context is option D, emphasizing the distinction between real and virtual images formed by different optical elements.
It's crucial to note that the behavior of parallel rays and the resulting images is a fundamental aspect of optics, and understanding these principles is essential for anyone exploring the fascinating world of light and lenses.
