MasteryExams
General Science • PhysicsHard

What happens to the focal length of a concave mirror when it is immersed in water?

A. It increases
B. It decreases
C. It remains unchanged✓ Correct Answer
D. It becomes zero

💡 Solution & Explanation

The focal length of a concave mirror remains unchanged when it is immersed in water because reflection depends exclusively on the law of reflection and the geometric radius of curvature of the reflective surface, neither of which relies on the refractive index of the surrounding medium. Unlike lenses, where refraction occurs and the focal length changes with the surrounding fluid, mirrors function entirely through reflection of light waves. Understanding the distinction between reflection and refraction is key to solving optics problems.

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