Optics and Light - Theory & Concepts - Lens Mirror

Learn the core principles of optics and light in physics. Study reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, and wave optics theory.

Open the complete lesson

Interactive engineering simulation

Thin Lens & Curved Mirror Ray Simulator

Toggle between curved optical devices and adjust physical metrics. Observe how real incident light rays refract or reflect to form real, virtual, upright, or inverted images.

Real Image

Inverted

Object Distance (do)30 cm

8–60

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Focal Length (f)12 cm

5–25

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Object Height (ho)6.0 cm

1.0–12.0

Drag for exploration or enter an exact value. Press Enter to apply; Escape restores the current value.

Governing Formulas

Gaussian Optical Equation

\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i} \implies d_i = \frac{d_o \cdot f}{d_o - f}

Linear Magnification

m = -\frac{d_i}{d_o} = \frac{h_i}{h_o}

Image Distance (di)

20.0 cm

Magnification (m)

-0.67x

Image Quality

REAL

Model scope and verification

Use the displayed units and idealizations, then verify the governing balance or compatibility equation before interpreting the result.

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