Experiment 8: Concave and Convex Mirrors

Introduction:
In this experiment we observed the images created by concave and convex mirrors.

Equipment:
-Convex Mirror
-Concave Mirror
-Object/person

Experiment:
Part A: Convex Mirror

1. Images reflected on convex mirrors had the following characteristics:
-smaller than the original object
-upright
-looked closer relative to the position of mirror and object.

2. As you moved closer, nothing really changed other than the image getting a bit larger due to the fact you were closer to it.

3. The image becomes significantly smaller as you move far away.
Part B: Concave Mirror

1. Objects closer to this type of mirror created images with the following characteristics:
-Image appeared larger than the original object
-The image was upright
-It looked closer than the original object.

2. As you moved closer to the mirror, the image became very distorted and significantly bigger.

3. Distant objects created images with the following characteristics:

-Image appeared smaller than the original object
-The image was inverted
-It looks closer relative to the position of image and object

Data/Calculations:
Part A: Convex Mirror

Part B: Concave Mirror

Conclusion:
Images formed by concave mirrors can vary from being very large and upright to small and inverted while convex mirrors create images that are magnified and remain upright. This is probably due to the fact that the focus is only approachable in the case of the concave mirror.