Image Formation by Concave Mirror

A concave mirror is a type of mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward. It converges light rays from an object to form an image. The properties of the image formed by a concave mirror depend on the object's position relative to the mirror. When the object is placed within the focal point of the concave mirror, the image formed is erect, virtual, and magnified, appearing behind the mirror. A virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen and is visible only in the mirror itself. Because concave mirrors produce magnified images, they are commonly used as shaving mirrors. Other practical applications include car headlights and astronomical telescopes. In large telescopes, a concave mirror at the base collects light and forms a small image on a plane mirror positioned at the top. The plane mirror then reflects the light into the telescope's eyepiece for viewing.