Physics
Physics
Problem
STATEMENT-1 The formula connecting , and for a spherical mirror is valid for mirrors whose sizes are very small compared to their radii of curvature. STATEMENT-2 Laws of reflection are strictly valid for plane surfaces, but not for large spherical surfaces. [2007] a. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1 b. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1 c. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False d. Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is TrueIntuitive explanation
The mirror formula relies on the paraxial approximation—treating rays as nearly parallel to the optical axis so that angles stay small and sines equal tangents. This approximation breaks down for large mirrors because rays far from the axis don't obey the same geometry, introducing spherical aberration. However, the laws of reflection themselves (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection) are always valid at each point on any smooth surface; the issue isn't the laws failing, but rather how different rays behave when the mirror is large.
Intuitive explanation
The mirror formula relies on the paraxial approximation—treating rays as nearly parallel to the optical axis so that angles stay small and sines equal tangents. This approximation breaks down for large mirrors because rays far from the axis don't obey the same geometry, introducing spherical aberration. However, the laws of reflection themselves (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection) are always valid at each point on any smooth surface; the issue isn't the laws failing, but rather how different rays behave when the mirror is large.