The concept behind mirror and water images relates to how reflections work when an object is viewed in a mirror or on the surface of water. Here’s a breakdown of each:
1. **Mirror Images**:
– When an object is placed in front of a mirror, the mirror creates a reflection of the object. The image formed in the mirror appears to be a “mirror image” of the original object.
– In a mirror image:
– Left and right are reversed: If you raise your left hand in front of a mirror, it will appear as if your right hand is raised in the mirror image.
– Front and back remain the same: The orientation of the object remains the same in terms of front and back.
– Distance from the mirror: The distance of the image from the mirror is the same as the distance of the object from the mirror.
– Size: The size of the image is the same as the size of the object.
– Mirror images are created due to the reflection of light rays off the mirror surface. The angle of incidence (the angle at which light strikes the mirror) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which light reflects off the mirror), according to the law of reflection.
2. **Water Images**:
– When an object is viewed in the surface of still water, such as a pond or a lake, a reflection is formed on the water’s surface.
– In a water image:
– Left and right are reversed: Similar to mirror images, the left and right sides of the object are reversed in a water image.
– Top and bottom remain the same: Unlike mirror images, the top and bottom orientations of the object remain the same in a water image.
– Distance from the water surface: The distance of the image from the water surface is equal to the distance of the object from the water surface.
– Size: The size of the image is the same as the size of the object.
– Water images are formed due to the reflection of light off the surface of the water. Like mirrors, the angle of incidence of light is equal to the angle of reflection.
In summary, mirror and water images are created due to the reflection of light rays off reflective surfaces (mirror) or the surface of water. Mirror images reverse left and right orientations, while water images reverse left and right but maintain top and bottom orientations. Both types of images are formed according to the principles of reflection.