What is the effect on light rays when they strike a concave mirror?

When light rays strike a concave mirror, the inward curve of the reflective surface directs them to a focal point.

A concave mirror’s inward-curved surface reflects parallel incident rays at different angles. All reflected rays converge at the focal point (F). The focal length is the distance between the center of the mirror and the focal point. The angle of reflection depends on the normal (perpendicular line) at each point on the mirror’s surface. Each incident ray reflects according to the law of reflection, but the curvature causes them to converge inward.

Convergence has several practical applications, including:

  • Telescopes gather and focus distant starlight for better viewing.
  • Headlights and Torches: Concave mirrors direct light into a powerful beam.
  • Solar power devices capture sunlight from a large area and concentrate it to produce heat or energy.
  • Makeup mirrors give a magnified reflection for detailed procedures such as shaving or applying makeup.