Question

Explain Cartesian sign convention for spherical mirror.

Answer 1

Answer:

This sign convention is known as New Cartesian Sign Convention. Sign is taken as – (negative) from pole of a spherical mirror towards object along the principal axis. This means sign is always taken as – (negative) in front of a spherical mirror.

Answer 2

Sign Convention : Cartesian Convention

• All the distances are measured from the pole.

• Distances measured in the direction of incident rays are taken as positive.

• Distances measured in the direction opposite to the incident rays are taken as negative.

• Distances above the principal axis are taken as positive.

• Distances below the principal axis are taken as negative.

Focal gth of concave mirror will be taken as negative.

Focal length of convex mirror will be taken as positive.