Question

Give reasons for the following:

(a) We cannot see a source of light through a bent tube.
(b) Convex mirrors are used in a car wing mirrors.
(c) A concave mirror is used as a dentist's mirror.

Answer 1

(a): We cannot see a source of light through a bent tube because a bent tube is not a uniform medium. In order to see the source of light, the tube should be a straight uniform medium because light travels in straight lines. A tube which is bent obstructs the path of light from reaching the eye.
(b): Convex mirror is a curved object which bulges outwards to form a reflecting surface. The images formed in a convex mirror are therefore very small giving a wider range of view of the surroundings. Therefore a convex mirror finds its use in a car wing mirror as it helps in giving a wide view behind the car.
(c): Concave mirror is a reflecting surface which curves inwards. The image of any object appears larger when kept very close to the concave mirror. Therefore it is used as a dentist’s mirror to examine inside the mouth.