As light reaches the boundary between two media,

its energy is partially reflected back and

partially transmitted into the new medium.

air
water

The amount that is reflected

depends on the types of materials and
the angle of incident rays.

Images formed by mirrors and lenses

may be classified as real or virtual.

Real Image

formed by actual rays of converging light

Virtual Image
not formed by actual rays of converging
light, but from where the rays of light
appear to come (diverging light rays)

Plane Mirror Images

Images formed by plane mirrors are always:

1. virtual

(virtual images are always behind mirrors)

2. upright

(virtual images are always upright)

3. same size as object

(if the image is larger or smaller, the mirror isnt flat)

4. front and back are reversed

(some say left and right)

5. located as far behind the mirror

as the object is in front

Ray Diagrams

Concave
(Converging) Mirrors

1. rays parallel and close to the principal

axis reflect through the focus
2. rays passing through the focus reflect
parallel to the principal axis
3. rays passing through the center of
curvature reflect straight back along
the incident path
C F

Time to test your

knowledge!

This is where the treasure chest APPEARS to be, to your

eyes (which are in the air, outside of the water).
Using your knowledge of REFRACTION, draw light rays
between your eyes and the possible REAL location of the
treasure chest.

A light ray strikes the water as shown. If the light is

partially reflected and partially refracted, draw the 2
resulting rays.
Air

Water

Draw a ray diagram for the object shown.

Is the image:
C F
Inverted or upright?
Real or virtual?
Reduced or Enlarged?

Draw a ray diagram for the object shown.

Is the image:
C F
Inverted or upright?
Real or virtual?
Reduced or Enlarged?

Draw a ray diagram for the object shown.

Is the image:
C F
Inverted or upright?
Real or virtual?
Reduced or Enlarged?