Chapter 11: Reflection of Light
Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.
Grade 9 Q&A: Chapter 11: Reflection of Light
Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 9 Science, Chapter 11: "Reflection of Light." This chapter covers the fundamental laws of reflection, types of mirrors, image formation, and their applications.
Important Questions and Answers
Q1: What is meant by the reflection of light?
Answer: Reflection of light is the phenomenon where a ray of light, after striking a surface, bounces back into the same medium from which it originated.
Q2: State the two laws of reflection of light.
Answer: The two laws of reflection are:
- The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.
- The angle of incidence ($\angle i$) is equal to the angle of reflection ($\angle r$) i.e., $\angle i = \angle r$.
Q3: Differentiate between regular reflection and diffused reflection.
Answer:
- Regular Reflection: Occurs when light strikes a smooth, polished surface. Parallel incident rays reflect as parallel reflected rays, forming clear images. Example: Plane mirror.
- Diffused Reflection: Occurs when light strikes a rough or uneven surface. Parallel incident rays reflect in various directions, scattering light and not forming clear images. Example: Wall, paper.
Q4: List the characteristics of an image formed by a plane mirror.
Answer: The image formed by a plane mirror is:
- Virtual (cannot be obtained on a screen).
- Erect (upright).
- Same size as the object.
- Laterally inverted (left appears right, and vice versa).
- Located as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
Q5: What is lateral inversion? Give an example.
Answer: Lateral inversion is the phenomenon where the left side of an object appears as the right side in its image formed by a plane mirror, and vice-versa. Example: When you raise your right hand while standing in front of a plane mirror, your image appears to raise its left hand.
Q6: Define the following terms related to spherical mirrors: Pole, Centre of Curvature, Principal Axis, Principal Focus, Focal Length.
Answer:
- Pole (P): The geometric center of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror.
- Centre of Curvature (C): The center of the hollow sphere of which the mirror is a part.
- Principal Axis: The straight line passing through the pole and the centre of curvature.
- Principal Focus (F): The point on the principal axis where rays parallel to the principal axis converge (concave) or appear to diverge from (convex) after reflection.
- Focal Length (f): The distance between the pole and the principal focus (f = PF).
Q7: What is the relationship between the focal length ($f$) and the radius of curvature ($R$) for a spherical mirror?
Answer: For spherical mirrors, the focal length is half of its radius of curvature.
$f = R/2$ or $R = 2f$.
Q8: Differentiate between a concave mirror and a convex mirror.
Answer:
- Concave Mirror: A spherical mirror whose inner surface is the reflecting surface. It is a converging mirror as it converges parallel rays of light.
- Convex Mirror: A spherical mirror whose outer surface is the reflecting surface. It is a diverging mirror as it diverges parallel rays of light.
Q9: Give two uses of a concave mirror.
Answer: Two uses of a concave mirror are:
- Used as shaving mirrors or by dentists to see enlarged images of face/teeth.
- Used in torchlights, headlights of cars, and searchlights to get a powerful parallel beam of light.
- Used in solar furnaces to concentrate sunlight.
Q10: Why are convex mirrors preferred as rear-view mirrors in vehicles?
Answer: Convex mirrors are preferred as rear-view mirrors in vehicles because:
- They always form a virtual, erect, and diminished image of the objects.
- They provide a wider field of view, allowing the driver to see a much larger area behind the vehicle.
Q11: What is a real image? Can it be obtained on a screen?
Answer: A real image is formed when light rays actually converge at a point after reflection (or refraction). Yes, a real image can be obtained on a screen.
Q12: What is a virtual image? Can it be obtained on a screen?
Answer: A virtual image is formed when light rays appear to diverge from a point after reflection (or refraction), but do not actually meet. No, a virtual image cannot be obtained on a screen.
Q13: State the New Cartesian Sign Convention for spherical mirrors.
Answer:
- The pole (P) of the mirror is taken as the origin.
- The principal axis is taken as the X-axis.
- Distances measured to the right of the origin are positive.
- Distances measured to the left of the origin are negative.
- Distances measured perpendicular to and above the principal axis are positive.
- Distances measured perpendicular to and below the principal axis are negative.
- Focal length of concave mirror is negative; focal length of convex mirror is positive.
Q14: Write down the mirror formula. Explain the terms involved.
Answer: The mirror formula is: $\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$
Where:
- $u$ = object distance (distance of the object from the pole of the mirror)
- $v$ = image distance (distance of the image from the pole of the mirror)
- $f$ = focal length of the spherical mirror
Q15: What is magnification? What does a positive or negative value of magnification indicate?
Answer: Magnification ($M$) is the ratio of the height of the image ($h'$) to the height of the object ($h$).
$M = \frac{h'}{h} = -\frac{v}{u}$
- If $M$ is positive, the image is virtual and erect.
- If $M$ is negative, the image is real and inverted.
Q16: An object is placed at the center of curvature of a concave mirror. Describe the nature, position, and size of the image formed.
Answer: When an object is placed at the center of curvature (C) of a concave mirror, the image formed is:
- Position: At C (centre of curvature).
- Nature: Real and Inverted.
- Size: Same size as the object.
Q17: Where should an object be placed in front of a concave mirror to obtain a real, inverted, and highly enlarged image?
Answer: The object should be placed at the principal focus (F) of the concave mirror to obtain a real, inverted, and highly enlarged image (formed at infinity).
Q18: A convex mirror always forms what type of image, regardless of the object's position?
Answer: A convex mirror always forms a virtual, erect, and diminished image, regardless of the object's position.
Q19: What is the angle of incidence if a ray of light strikes a plane mirror normally (perpendicularly)?
Answer: If a ray of light strikes a plane mirror normally (perpendicularly), the incident ray coincides with the normal. Therefore, the angle of incidence ($\angle i$) is $0^\circ$. Consequently, the angle of reflection ($\angle r$) will also be $0^\circ$, and the ray will retrace its path.
Q20: Why can't a virtual image be obtained on a screen?
Answer: A virtual image cannot be obtained on a screen because the light rays forming a virtual image do not actually converge at a point. Instead, they only appear to diverge from a point. Since there is no actual convergence of light rays, a screen placed at the apparent image location will not receive any light to form an image.
Q21: Describe the path of a ray of light parallel to the principal axis after reflection from a concave mirror.
Answer: A ray of light parallel to the principal axis, after reflection from a concave mirror, passes through its principal focus (F).
Q22: Describe the path of a ray of light parallel to the principal axis after reflection from a convex mirror.
Answer: A ray of light parallel to the principal axis, after reflection from a convex mirror, appears to diverge from its principal focus (F) located behind the mirror.
Q23: How does the angle of incidence relate to the angle of reflection?
Answer: According to the second law of reflection, the angle of incidence ($\angle i$) is always equal to the angle of reflection ($\angle r$).
Q24: What is the focal length of a plane mirror?
Answer: The focal length of a plane mirror is considered to be infinity ($\infty$). This is because a plane mirror can be considered a part of a spherical mirror with an infinitely large radius of curvature.
Q25: If an object is placed at infinity from a concave mirror, what is the nature and position of the image formed?
Answer: If an object is placed at infinity from a concave mirror, the image formed is:
- Position: At the principal focus (F).
- Nature: Real and Inverted.
- Size: Highly diminished (point size).
Exercise Solutions (Based on Maharashtra Board Textbook)
Q1: Choose the correct option and rewrite the statements.
- The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
- The image formed by a plane mirror is always virtual and erect.
- A concave mirror is also known as a converging mirror.
- The focal length of a spherical mirror is half of its radius of curvature.
- Rear-view mirrors in vehicles are convex mirrors.
Q2: Match the pairs.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Plane Mirror | Forms virtual, erect, same size image |
| Concave Mirror | Used in torch lights |
| Convex Mirror | Provides wider field of view |
| Regular Reflection | From a smooth surface |
| Diffused Reflection | From a rough surface |
Q3: Give scientific reasons.
- We can see objects due to reflection.
Answer: We can see objects due to reflection because most objects do not produce their own light. Instead, they reflect light that falls on them from a light source (like the sun or a bulb). When this reflected light enters our eyes, our brain processes it, allowing us to perceive the object. Without reflection, objects would appear black or invisible in the absence of self-emitted light. - A plane mirror forms a virtual image.
Answer: A plane mirror forms a virtual image because the light rays reflected from its surface do not actually meet at a point behind the mirror. Instead, they appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror. Since the image is formed by the apparent intersection of light rays and not the actual intersection, it cannot be projected onto a screen, making it a virtual image. - Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles.
Answer: Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles because they always form a virtual, erect, and diminished image of the objects. This property allows them to provide a much wider field of view compared to plane mirrors, enabling the driver to see a larger area of traffic behind the vehicle, which is crucial for safe driving. - Concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors.
Answer: Concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors because when an object (like the face) is placed between the pole (P) and the principal focus (F) of a concave mirror, it forms a virtual, erect, and enlarged image behind the mirror. This enlarged image helps in seeing a magnified view of the face, making shaving easier and more precise.
Q4: Write answers to the following questions in your own words.
- Explain the laws of reflection with a neat diagram.
Answer: The two laws of reflection explain how light behaves when it strikes a surface.
**First Law of Reflection:** This law states that the incident ray (the light ray striking the surface), the reflected ray (the light ray bouncing off the surface), and the normal (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point where the incident ray strikes) all lie in the same plane. Imagine a flat sheet of paper; all three of these lines would lie perfectly flat on that paper.
**Second Law of Reflection:** This law states that the angle of incidence ($\angle i$) is equal to the angle of reflection ($\angle r$). The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident ray and the normal, and the angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal. So, if light hits a mirror at a 30-degree angle to the normal, it will bounce off at a 30-degree angle.
(Diagram: A plane mirror with a normal line. An incident ray striking the mirror, making angle 'i' with the normal. A reflected ray bouncing off, making angle 'r' with the normal, where i=r. All rays and normal shown in the same plane.) - Describe the image formation by a concave mirror when an object is placed at different positions.
Answer: A concave mirror can form both real and virtual images, depending on the object's position.- Object at infinity: Image at F, real, inverted, highly diminished (point size).
- Object beyond C: Image between F and C, real, inverted, diminished.
- Object at C: Image at C, real, inverted, same size.
- Object between C and F: Image beyond C, real, inverted, enlarged.
- Object at F: Image at infinity, real, inverted, highly enlarged.
- Object between F and P: Image behind the mirror, virtual, erect, enlarged. (This is the only case where a concave mirror forms a virtual image).
- Explain the uses of concave and convex mirrors in daily life.
Answer:- Uses of Concave Mirrors:
- Shaving mirrors/Dentist mirrors: They produce enlarged, erect virtual images when the object is close, making it easier to see fine details.
- Torches, headlights of cars, searchlights: A bulb placed at the focus produces a strong parallel beam of light for illumination.
- Solar furnaces: They concentrate parallel rays of sunlight to a single focal point, generating intense heat.
- Uses of Convex Mirrors:
- Rear-view mirrors in vehicles: They always form virtual, erect, and diminished images, providing a wide field of view, which is crucial for seeing traffic behind.
- Shop security mirrors: Mounted in shops, they provide a wide view of the store, allowing staff to monitor a large area.
- Street light reflectors: They diverge light over a large area for street illumination.
- Uses of Concave Mirrors:
Q5: Numericals (from typical textbook exercises).
- An object is placed at a distance of 15 cm from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm. Find the position and nature of the image.
Solution: Given: Object distance $u = -15$ cm (Left of pole, according to sign convention) Focal length of concave mirror $f = -10$ cm (Concave mirror has negative focal length)
Using Mirror Formula: $\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$
$\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-15} = \frac{1}{-10}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{-10} + \frac{1}{15}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{-3 + 2}{30}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{-1}{30}$
$v = -30$ cm
Position: The image is formed at 30 cm in front of the mirror.
Nature: Since $v$ is negative, the image is real.
To find nature (inverted/erect) and size (magnified/diminished), calculate magnification $M = -\frac{v}{u}$.
$M = -\frac{-30}{-15} = -2$
Since $M$ is negative, the image is inverted. Since $|M| > 1$, the image is enlarged.
Final Answer: The image is formed at 30 cm in front of the mirror, and it is Real, Inverted, and Enlarged. - A convex mirror has a focal length of 20 cm. An object is placed 10 cm from the mirror. Find the position and nature of the image.
Solution: Given: Focal length of convex mirror $f = +20$ cm (Convex mirror has positive focal length) Object distance $u = -10$ cm
Using Mirror Formula: $\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$
$\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-10} = \frac{1}{20}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} + \frac{1}{10}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1 + 2}{20}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{3}{20}$
$v = \frac{20}{3} \approx +6.67$ cm
Position: The image is formed at approximately 6.67 cm behind the mirror.
Nature: Since $v$ is positive, the image is virtual.
To find nature (erect/inverted) and size (magnified/diminished), calculate magnification $M = -\frac{v}{u}$.
$M = -\frac{20/3}{-10} = \frac{20}{30} = +\frac{2}{3} \approx +0.67$
Since $M$ is positive, the image is erect. Since $|M| < 1$, the image is diminished.
Final Answer: The image is formed at approximately 6.67 cm behind the mirror, and it is Virtual, Erect, and Diminished.
Q6: Draw neat and labeled diagrams.
- Reflection of light by a plane mirror showing laws of reflection.
Sketch: (Imagine a diagram similar to the one described in Q4(a). A flat line representing the mirror, a dashed line perpendicular to it representing the normal. An incoming ray (incident ray) hitting the mirror, and an outgoing ray (reflected ray) bouncing off. Label the angles of incidence ($\angle i$) and reflection ($\angle r$). Show arrows on rays. Ensure $\angle i = \angle r$.) - Image formation by a concave mirror when the object is placed between F and C.
Sketch: (Imagine a concave mirror, principal axis, P, F, C. Place an object (arrow) between F and C.
- Draw a ray parallel to the principal axis from the top of the object, reflecting through F.
- Draw a ray passing through F from the top of the object, reflecting parallel to the principal axis.
- The intersection of the reflected rays will form the image (inverted arrow) beyond C. Label Object, Image, F, C, P.) - Image formation by a convex mirror when the object is placed anywhere.
Sketch: (Imagine a convex mirror, principal axis, P, F, C (F and C are behind the mirror). Place an object (arrow) in front of the mirror.
- Draw a ray parallel to the principal axis from the top of the object, reflecting such that it appears to come from F behind the mirror.
- Draw a ray directed towards C from the top of the object, which will retrace its path.
- The intersection of the *extended* reflected rays behind the mirror will form the image (erect, diminished arrow) between P and F. Label Object, Image, F, C, P.)
References
- Maharashtra State Board Science and Technology Standard Nine Textbook (Latest Edition) - Chapter 11: Reflection of Light.
- Maharashtra State Board 9th Standard Science Syllabus.
- Balbharati Science and Technology Textbook Part 1.