A small object of height h is placed perpendicular to the principal axis of a convex mirror of focal length f at a distance x from the pole of the mirror. An observer is located on the principal axis at a distance L from the pole of the mirror. (Take `x, f, L gt gt h]`.
(a) Calculate the angle `alpha` formed by the image at the eye of the observer
(b) If the convex mirror is replaced by a plane mirror, with all other things remaining unchanged, calculate the angle `beta` formed by the image at the eye.
(c) Justify the statement “objects are closer than they appear” written on the rear view mirror of your car.

Answer

(a) `alpha = (h)/(L+ x + (Lx)/(f))` (b) `beta = (h)/(L +x)`