Describe the image formed by a convex mirror for an object placed in front of it.

To locate the image formed by a convex mirror, draw two principal rays from the top of the object:

1. A ray parallel to the principal axis. After reflection, this ray appears to diverge from the focal point (F) behind the mirror.
2. A ray directed towards the center of curvature (C) behind the mirror. This ray reflects back along the same path. The intersection of the extended reflected rays behind the mirror gives the position of the top of the image. The image will be located behind the mirror, between the pole (P) and the focal point (F).

For an object placed in front of a convex mirror, the image formed always has the following characteristics:

• It is virtual.
• It is upright (erect).
• It is diminished (smaller than the object).
• It is located behind the mirror, between P and F.