Question

If an incident ray passes through the center of curvature of a spherical mirror, the reflected ray will \dots

• A. pass through the pole
• B. pass through the focus
• C. retrace its path
• D. be parallel to the principal axis

Hint:

Any ray passing through the center of curvature always strikes the mirror normally and therefore returns back along the same line.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The center of curvature of a spherical mirror lies on the normal to the reflecting surface. Explanation: When a light ray passes through the center of curvature:
• The ray strikes the mirror surface normally.
• Therefore, the angle of incidence becomes: \[ i = 0^\circ \]
• According to the law of reflection: \[ \angle i = \angle r \]
• Hence, the angle of reflection is also zero. As a result, the reflected ray travels back along the same path. Thus, the reflected ray retraces its original path.