To determine the correct graph representing the variation of object distance (u) and image distance (v) for a convex mirror, we need to refer to the mirror equation and understand the nature of images formed by a convex mirror.
Mirror Equation
The mirror equation is given by:
1/f=1/v+1/u
For a convex mirror:
The focal length (f) is positive.
The object distance (u) is taken as negative (since the object is placed in front of the mirror).
The image distance (v) is positive (since the image formed by a convex mirror is virtual and appears to be behind the mirror).
Image Characteristics of a Convex Mirror
The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect, and diminished.
The image distance (v) is always less than the focal length (f) and hence always positive but less than f.
As the object distance (u) increases (i.e., the object moves further away from the mirror), the image distance (v) decreases and approaches the focal length asymptotically.
From the given option
Graph (a): This graph shows v increasing asymptotically towards a maximum value as u increases. This is consistent with the behaviour of a convex mirror where v approaches the focal length but never exceeds it.
Graph (b): This is a linear relationship, which is not consistent with the mirror equation for a convex mirror.
Graph (c): This graph shows v decreasing rapidly initially and then levelling off, which is also not consistent with the behaviour of a convex mirror.
Graph (d): This graph shows v decreasing linearly with u, which is not consistent with the mirror equation for a convex mirror.
Hence, the correct answer is option a
To determine the correct graph representing the variation of object distance (u) and image distance (v) for a convex mirror, we need to refer to the mirror equation and understand the nature of images formed by a convex mirror.
Mirror Equation
The mirror equation is given by:
1/f=1/v+1/u
For a convex mirror:
The focal length (f) is positive.
The object distance (u) is taken as negative (since the object is placed in front of the mirror).
The image distance (v) is positive (since the image formed by a convex mirror is virtual and appears to be behind the mirror).
Image Characteristics of a Convex Mirror
The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect, and diminished.
The image distance (v) is always less than the focal length (f) and hence always positive but less than f.
As the object distance (u) increases (i.e., the object moves further away from the mirror), the image distance (v) decreases and approaches the focal length asymptotically.
From the given option
Graph (a): This graph shows v increasing asymptotically towards a maximum value as u increases. This is consistent with the behaviour of a convex mirror where v approaches the focal length but never exceeds it.
Graph (b): This is a linear relationship, which is not consistent with the mirror equation for a convex mirror.
Graph (c): This graph shows v decreasing rapidly initially and then levelling off, which is also not consistent with the behaviour of a convex mirror.
Graph (d): This graph shows v decreasing linearly with u, which is not consistent with the mirror equation for a convex mirror.
Hence, the correct answer is option a