Worksheet: Images in Plane Mirrors
Name:________________________
For each of the following cases, draw a ray diagram to show how the light rays reach the observer, and
to show the position of the virtual image in the mirror. Trace at least two light rays from each object.
For answers to the diagrams you can have me check your work or refer to the link on my website for how to draw
ray diagrams.
1.
2.
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6.
ANALYZE AND EVALUATE
a. How does the image distance compare to the object distance. On your diagrams, measure the
shortest distance from the mirror to the object. (This is the object distance.) On your diagrams,
measure the shortest distance from the mirror to the image. (This is the image distance.) [1]
object distance = image distance
b. How does the size of the image compare to the size of the object? [1]
size of the object = size of the image
c. Describe how you use light rays to show where an image in a plane mirror is located. [2]
Reflected rays are extended back behind the mirror to locate the virtual image.
d. A real image can be seen on a screen. Are the mirror images you worked with in this investigation
real or virtual? [1]
Virtual
e. State the characteristics (size, attitude, location, type) of images in a plane mirror. [2]
Size:
Same as the object
Type: Virtual
Location: behind the mirror.