Question

give the important consequences of the new cartesian sign convention folloowed for reflection of light by spherical mirrors?

Answer 1

Hi! Farhan,

The pole of mirror is considered as origin. Axis of mirror is considered x-axis while a perpendicular on it through origins is taken as y-axis. As a consequence:

I. Objects are always placed to the left of the mirror, or at negative x-axis

II. All distances are measured from the pole of the mirror.

III. Distances along the direction of the incident ray (along positive x- axis) are taken as positive, while distances along the direction of the reflected ray (along negative x-axis) are taken as negative, as done in coordinate system.

IV. Heights measured perpendicular to and above the principal axis (along positive y-axis) are taken as positive.

V. Heights measured perpendicular to and below the principal axis (along negative y-axis) are taken as negative.

Cheers!!