Class 10 Physics: Light – Reflection & Refraction
Complete Chapter Master Notes & Board Exam Formula Sheet
Subject: Class 10 Science (Physics) | Board: CBSE / NCERT | Target: Board Exam Preparation & Revision
1. Reflection of Light & Spherical Mirrors
Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays into the same medium when hitting a polished surface. Spherical
mirrors are curved reflecting surfaces derived from a sphere.
Concave Mirror (Converging) Convex Mirror (Diverging)
• Reflecting surface curved inwards. • Reflecting surface curved outwards.
• Forms both real (inverted) and virtual (erect) images • Always forms a virtual, erect, and diminished
depending on object position. image.
• Uses: Torches, headlights, shaving mirrors, dentist • Uses: Rear-view mirrors in vehicles (wide field of
headlamps. view).
2. Mirror Formula & Magnification
According to New Cartesian Sign Convention, distance of object ($u$) is always negative. Focal length ($f$) is
negative for concave and positive for convex.
MIRROR FORMULA
1/f = 1/v + 1/u
MAGNIFICATION (M)
m = Height of Image (h') / Height of Object (h) = -v / u
Note: If $m$ is negative, image is real & inverted. If $m$ is positive, image is virtual & erect.
Complete Chapter Master Notes & Board Exam Formula Sheet
Subject: Class 10 Science (Physics) | Board: CBSE / NCERT | Target: Board Exam Preparation & Revision
1. Reflection of Light & Spherical Mirrors
Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays into the same medium when hitting a polished surface. Spherical
mirrors are curved reflecting surfaces derived from a sphere.
Concave Mirror (Converging) Convex Mirror (Diverging)
• Reflecting surface curved inwards. • Reflecting surface curved outwards.
• Forms both real (inverted) and virtual (erect) images • Always forms a virtual, erect, and diminished
depending on object position. image.
• Uses: Torches, headlights, shaving mirrors, dentist • Uses: Rear-view mirrors in vehicles (wide field of
headlamps. view).
2. Mirror Formula & Magnification
According to New Cartesian Sign Convention, distance of object ($u$) is always negative. Focal length ($f$) is
negative for concave and positive for convex.
MIRROR FORMULA
1/f = 1/v + 1/u
MAGNIFICATION (M)
m = Height of Image (h') / Height of Object (h) = -v / u
Note: If $m$ is negative, image is real & inverted. If $m$ is positive, image is virtual & erect.
