Reflection and Mirrors

We have 12 ready-to-use problem sets on the topic of Reflection and Mirrors, along with many review sets comprised of the problems in these sets (CP = Conceptual Physics, HP = Honors Physics).

These problem sets focus on the use of geometric relationships and mathematical formulas (e.g., the mirror and magnification equations) to analyze situations associated with formation of images by plane, concave, and convex mirrors.

Problem Sets

Set RM1 - The Law of Reflection
6 Problems - Easy Difficulty

Use the law of reflection to identify a variety of angle measures formed as light reflects off a flat surface such as a plane mirror.

Set RM2 – Plane Mirror Images
5 Problems - Easy Difficulty

Understand geometric relationships associated with the images formed up objects placed in front of plane mirrors.

Set RM3 – Curved Mirror Concepts and Terminology
8 Problems - Easy Difficulty

Identify the meaning and sign conventions associated with focal length, radius of curvature, image height, image distance, and magnification.

Set RM4 – Concave Mirrors 1
3 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations to determine the image distance, image height, and magnification for objects placed at several strategic locations in front of a concave mirror.

Set RM5 – Concave Mirrors 2
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations to calculate the image distance and image height if given the object distance and the focal length for concave mirrors.

Set RM6 – Concave Mirrors 3
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Given the object distance and either the focal length or radius of curvature, determine the image distance and either the image height or the image magnification for concave mirrors.

Set RM7 – Concave Mirrors 4
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations to relate the various strategic measurements associated with object and image locations and sizes for concave mirrors.

Set RM8 – Concave Mirrors 5
6 Problems - Hard Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations and an understanding of sign conventions to solve concave mirror word problems. Most problems involve complex algebraic manipulations.

Set RM9 – Convex Mirrors 1
7 Problems - Medium Difficulty

Given the object distance and either the focal length or radius of curvature, determine the image distance and either the image height or the image magnification for convex mirrors.

Set RM10 – Convex Mirrors 2
7 Problems - Hard Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations and an understanding of sign conventions to solve convex mirror word problems.

Set RM11 – Convex Mirrors 3
7 Problems - Hard Difficulty

Use the mirror and magnification equations and an understanding of sign conventions to solve concave mirror word problems. Many problems require complex algebraic manipulations.

Set RM12 – Curved Mirrors, Mixed Type
8 Problems - Hard Difficulty

Interpret given information about a curved mirror to determine the mirror type, the +/- nature of given quantities and use the mirror and magnification equations to calculate an unknown quantity.

Summary Sets

These activities are combinations of the above Problem Sets, used primarily for Lesson Plans activities and Review

Reflection & Mirrors 1: Mirror Equation
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty