Question

If the figure to the right shows the reflected ray from the mirror. Which one of the figures below shows the incident ray?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Answer 1

Hint: We are given the reflected ray from a concave mirror in the question and we need to identify the incident ray which would give out the reflected ray that is drawn in the question. We need to know the concepts of reflected rays through a mirror.

Complete answer:
A sharp real image (an image that can be displayed on a screen) is formed when all rays from one point on an object arrive at a unique point on the image. A sharp virtual image (an image that you cannot display on a screen) is formed when all of the rays from one point on an object all "appear" to have come from one unique point on the image i.e. a straight line tracing back along their direction will always pass through this point.
The reflected ray is passing through the center of curvature of the mirror. As we know that the ray through the center of curvature retraces its path therefore, the incident ray will be ray through the center of curvature.

Hence option A is the correct answer.

Additional information: A ray diagram is a representation of the possible paths light can take to get from one place to another. This is often from a source or object to an observer or a mirror. Light travels in straight lines within a uniform medium which means that light can change direction upon entering a different medium. Light has a direction of travel, it is indicated with an arrow on the ray.

Note: When a ray strikes concave or convex mirrors obliquely at its pole, it is reflected obliquely. When a ray, parallel to the principal axis strikes concave or convex mirrors, the reflected ray passes through the focus on the principal axis. When a ray, passing through focus strikes concave or convex mirrors, the reflected ray will pass parallel to the principal axis. A ray passing through the center of curvature of the spherical mirror will retrace its path after reflection.