Study Guides/Physics/Centre of Curvature
Study Guide · Physics

What is Centre of Curvature?

In Class 10 Physics (Light - Reflection and Refraction), understanding the anatomy of a spherical mirror is essential. The Centre of Curvature is one of these fundamental points.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the centre of curvature?

Answer

The centre of curvature is the centre of the imaginary hollow glass sphere of which the spherical mirror is a part.

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Key Facts

Definition: Centre of the sphere of which the mirror forms a part.

Symbol: C.

Concave Mirror: C is in front.

Convex Mirror: C is behind.

Radius of Curvature (R) = Distance from Pole to C.

Definition

A spherical mirror (concave or convex) is essentially a cut-out part of a large hollow glass sphere.

The Centre of Curvature (C) of a spherical mirror is the centre of the hollow glass sphere of which the mirror is a part.

Key Points

  • Symbol: It is denoted by the letter C.
  • Location for Concave Mirror: It lies in front of the reflecting surface.
  • Location for Convex Mirror: It lies behind the reflecting surface.
  • Not on the Mirror: The centre of curvature is not a point on the mirror itself; it lies outside the mirror in space.

Related Terms

  • Radius of Curvature (R): The distance between the Pole (P) of the mirror and the Centre of Curvature (C).
  • Relation with Focus (f): R = 2f (The radius of curvature is twice the focal length).

Questions and Answers

What is the centre of curvature?+

The centre of curvature is the centre of the imaginary hollow glass sphere of which the spherical mirror is a part.

Where does the centre of curvature lie for a convex mirror?+

For a convex mirror, the centre of curvature lies behind the reflecting surface.

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