For boda boda riders, what type of mirror is most appropriate and why? Illustrate. Design an optical instrument using mirrors for observing objects over obstacles.

The most appropriate mirror for boda boda riders is a convex mirror.

A convex mirror is chosen because it provides a wide field of view, allowing the rider to see a larger area behind them. It forms a virtual, upright, and diminished image, which is essential for safety and observing traffic.

An illustration would show a convex mirror with parallel incident rays diverging after reflection, appearing to originate from a virtual focal point behind the mirror. The image formed would be smaller and upright.

The appropriate optical instrument is a periscope, which uses two plane mirrors.

Plane mirrors are used because they produce an upright, true-sized image without distortion, allowing for accurate observation of objects over obstacles.

A simple periscope consists of a tube with two plane mirrors placed parallel to each other at opposite ends. Each mirror is angled at $45^\circ$ to the line of sight. Light from the object hits the top mirror, reflects downwards to the bottom mirror, and then reflects horizontally into the observer's eye.