Question

An object is placed a great distance from a concave (converging) mirror. Where will light from the object be collected?

Answer 1

Answer:

At the focal length of the mirror on the same side of the mirror as the object

Explanation: I had this question on USA test prep and I used the answer that the other guy said and it was incorrect. so the correct answer is

A)

at the focal length of the mirror on the same side of the mirror as the object

Answer 2

Answer: at the center of curvature of the mirror on the same side of the mirror as the object

A concave mirror has a reflective surface that is curved inwards.  This type of mirrors reflects the light making it converge in a focal point, therefore they are used to focus the light.

This occurs because the light is reflected with different angles, since the normal to the surface varies from one point to another of the mirror.

Nevertheless, it is important to note the object must be within the radius of curvature of the mirror.

In addition, it is important to state clear the following:

-If the object is at a distance greater than the focal distance, a real and inverted image is formed that may be greater or less than the object.

-If the object is at a distance smaller than the focal distance, a virtual image is formed, right and larger than the object.

In this case the object is placed a great distance (it can be said at infinite) from the concave mirror, hence the image formed will be real, inverted and smaller than the object.

When we say real, it means the image is formed in the same side of the mirror as the object and the image can be seen on a screen.