The Principle of Reflection
A mirror forms an image by reflecting light. When light rays strike a smooth, polished surface like a mirror, they bounce off at an angle equal to the angle at which they hit the surface. This phenomenon is known as the Law of Reflection, which states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
How Light Rays Form an Image
For an object placed in front of a mirror, light rays originate from or reflect off every point on that object. These rays then strike the mirror and reflect according to the Law of Reflection. Our eyes and brain perceive these reflected rays as if they are coming from a single point behind the mirror, creating the illusion of an image.
Virtual vs. Real Images
Most common household mirrors (plane mirrors) produce a virtual image, which appears to be behind the mirror and cannot be projected onto a screen. Curved mirrors, like concave or convex mirrors, can produce either virtual or real images, depending on the object's distance. A real image is formed where light rays actually converge and can be projected onto a screen.
The Role of the Eye and Brain
The image formation process is completed by our visual system. When reflected light rays from the mirror enter our eyes, the lens focuses them onto the retina. Our brain then interprets these light patterns, tracing the rays back to their apparent origin. This mental reconstruction is why the image appears to be located at a specific position, even if it's a virtual image that doesn't physically exist there.