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Question

Write the relation between focal length and radius of curvature of a spherical mirror?

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Solution

For a concave mirror:
In figure (a),
∠BP′C=∠P′CF (alternate angles) and
∠BP′C=∠P′F (law of reflection,∠i=∠r)
Hence ∠P′CF=∠CP′F
∴ FP′C is isosceles.
Hence, P′F=FC
If the aperture of the mirror is small, the point P′ is very close to the point P,
then P′F=PF
∴ PF=FC=PC2
or f=R2

For a convex mirror:
In figure (b),
∠BP′N=∠FCP′ (corresponding angles)
∠BP′N=∠NP′R (law of reflection, ∠i=∠r) and
∠NP′R=∠CP′F (vertically opposite angles)
Hence ∠FCP′=∠CP′F
∴ FP′C is isosceles.
Hence, P′F=FC
If the aperture of the mirror is small, the point P′ is very close to the point P.
Then P′F=PF
∴PF=FC=PC2
or f=R2
Thus, for a spherical mirror {both concave and convex), the focal length is half of its radius of curvature.

667035_629025_ans_9a9d507052de41e1a7cc90d38429fcd2.jpg

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