When a light ray falls on a surface, then it can undergo one of the three phenomena, namely, reflection, refraction, and absorption. Most of the light gets absorbed when a ray of light falls on a normal surface. Therefore, we can say that mirrors are polished surfaces, which are coated with Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) so that they can reflect most of the light that falls upon them. We can classify mirrors as a convex mirror, concave mirror, or a plane mirror, based on the reflecting surface. For forming an image with the help of a plane mirror, we require at least two rays of light from an object that either meet or appear to meet at a point. So, let's make ourselves familiar with the concepts of a plane mirror, along with its characteristics, uses, and applications.
Real Image and Virtual Image
A real image is an image that is produced either due to reflection or refraction when the ray of light arises from an object and then converges to a certain point. As the real image is a result of the actual intersection of a light ray, it can be captured on screen. The real image is always inverted and can be produced with a converging (convex) lens and a concave mirror.
A virtual image is an image that is produced when the ray of light arising from an object appears to strike at a certain definite point. As the virtual image is an imaginary intersection of the ray of light, it can never be captured on a screen. The virtual image is always erect and can be produced with a diverging (concave) lens, a convex mirror, and a plane mirror.
Hence, we can conclude by saying that a real image is captured on the screen, and it appears to be on the same side as the object. On the other hand, a virtual image can never be captured or obtained on a screen, and it appears to be on the opposite side as that of the mirror.
Characteristics and Features of the Image formed by a Plane Mirror
A plane mirror has various exclusive features and characteristics corresponding to the image that it forms, which are as follows:
A plane mirror always forms a virtual image. A virtual image is produced when the light rays from a source don’t cross or meet at a point to form an image.
The image formed or produced by a plane mirror is always of the same size as that of the object. A plane mirror always produces images that have a magnification of '1.' Also, the distance between the object and the mirror is equal to the distance between the mirror and the image. Besides, the image formed is also erect.
Another exclusive characteristic of the image formed by a plane mirror states that the image is laterally inverted, which implies that if you raise your left hand, it would appear in the plane mirror as if you have raised your right hand.
Applications and Uses of Plane Mirrors
Without any second thought, the invention of mirrors is indeed the greatest contribution to humankind. Almost every other person uses mirrors in their day-to-day lives for a variety of reasons. Also, we already know that plane mirrors are primarily used to see the reflection of an object. A plane mirror has several different uses and applications, including periscopes and kaleidoscopes, automobiles, shaving mirrors, dentists' mirror, torch lights, solar cookers, and security-related purposes.
Plane Mirrors - Used in Periscopes and Kaleidoscopes
While making kaleidoscopes, which are immensely loved by children, and periscopes, which are exclusively used in submarines, plane mirrors are widely used. The plane mirrors used in periscopes in submarines reflect the images of all the ships that are present on the surface of the water. The plane mirrors and colour glass used in kaleidoscopes reflect many colourful patterns.
Plane Mirrors - Used in Automobiles
For reflecting powerful beams of parallel light, vehicles widely used mirrors in their headlights. Furthermore, the prime use of a convex mirror in automobiles is that of the rearview mirrors since it always forms an erect image and gives a wider field of view due to its outward curve.
Plane Mirrors - Used in Torchlights
Plane mirrors are widely used in flashlights and torchlights for reflecting the light beams and are even used for the same purpose in the overhead projectors. With such uses and applications of the plane mirrors in the torchlights, they can be used at night and in dark places for finding or searching for things.
Plane Mirrors - Used as Shaving Mirrors
After waking up every morning, the first thing we do is look at ourselves in the mirror for several different purposes, including brushing, shaving, doing makeup, etc. Without the mirrors, it would have been extremely difficult for us to manage such things. Also, the concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors to see a larger view or image of the face.
Plane Mirrors - Used by Dentists
Dentists widely use mirrors while performing for seeing the images of teeth and examining them. The plane mirrors are also exclusively used in microscopes to reflect the image of the object that is being monitored.
Plane Mirrors - Used in Solar Cookers
Plane mirrors are used in solar cookers as they are capable of reflecting most of the sunlight or sun rays that fall on their surface. Without any doubt, the solar cooker is the most effective and efficient way of utilizing a renewable source of energy for cooking-related purposes.
Plane Mirrors - Used for Safety and Security
Plane mirrors are widely used for finding the explosives underneath the vehicles. They are also used in shops and stores to keep an eye on the customers and prevent cases of robbery. Even on the blind turns of busy roads, mirrors are used to see the vehicles coming from the opposite side.
FAQs on Uses of Plane Mirrors
1. What is a plane mirror?
A plane mirror has a reflective surface that is flat. The angle of reflection is the same as that of the angle of incidence for light rays striking the plane mirror. The term angle of incidence is used to describe the angle created by the incident ray and the surface. Apart from the diffraction effects, the angle of reflection is the angle in between the reflected ray and the normal. Hence, a parallel beam of light does not spread after reflection from a plane mirror.
A plane mirror reflects items placed right in front of it. However, these reflections appear to be placed behind the plane in which the mirror is situated. A straight line that is drawn from one section of an object to the respective part of its image forms a right angle with the plane mirror's surface and is bisected by it.
The image generated by a plane mirror can be virtual or real. It is always upright. The same shape and size as the item it reflects. A virtual picture represents an object made at the spot where light rays appear to be born. Although the picture generated in the mirror is a perverted image, there is a common assumption that perverted and laterally-inverted images are interchangeable. When a person's right hand is reflected in a plane mirror, the image of his left hand seems to be the image's left hand.
Plane mirrors are the only form of mirrors in which an item always produces an image that is virtual, erect, and the same size as the object in all situations. However, different types of mirrors can produce virtual, erect, and of the same size as the object under certain conditions. On the other hand, a flat mirror has an infinite focal length and has no optical power.
2. Differentiate between real image and virtual image?
Virtual images are the images reflected by a plane mirror, but they are not the same as the simulated digital images you see on your computer screen or in a video game. The difference between a real and a virtual image in physics is that a real image is created when light converges at a spot, such as when you gaze at an apple on your desk, whereas a virtual image is formed when two divergent rays of light never meet each other. A plane mirror provides a picture of something you cannot touch. Virtual pictures are created by all mirrors. However, plane mirrors reflect light differently from concave or convex mirrors.
3. What are convex and concave mirrors?
Convex and concave mirrors bend the rays of light that hit them, unlike plane mirrors. As the light rays move towards or away from the center of the mirror, the virtual images created by their reflections become distorted. Because plane mirrors cannot produce useful images at certain angles, convex and concave mirrors are not useful in bathrooms, but they can be beneficial in other situations; for example, the mirrors on the side of a car are convex because plane mirrors cannot provide useful images at certain angles. They enable drivers to see behind and to the sides of their car, albeit the virtual images they reflect are not at the same distance as the things they reflect. This is the reason messages in car mirrors warn drivers that things in the mirror may be closer than they appear in the actual reflection.
4. How do the plane mirror reflections work?
Light reflects off a plane mirror because it is flat and does not curve inward or otherwise. As a result, plane mirror images are free of the interference that concave and convex mirrors produce. This is why, when checking your hair in a bathroom mirror, you do not appear unusual. But when looking at a curved mirror at a carnival, your body appears too tall or too short. Plane mirror reflections produce virtual images that are the same magnification and distance as the objects they reflect. This is why a plane mirror can be used to establish the exact location of something behind you.
5. What type of mirrors do we use at home?
Plane mirrors are simply mirrors that are flat and have no curvature. The average person is quite familiar with these because they can be found everywhere. While the first man-made mirrors were made of highly polished bronze, silver, and other metals. The modern-day mirrors are made of glass sheets with a thin film of aluminum applied to them. However, plane mirrors can also be created from liquids, such as gallium or mercury. Flat mirrors, on the other hand, function in the same way regardless of material. They produce a picture by reflecting light beams. Visit the Vedantu app and website for free study materials and additional information.