Optical Convex Reflector 50mm

Quick answer: The LabEquip Optical Convex Reflector 50mm is a curved reflecting component used to demonstrate divergent reflection and virtual-image formation. Parallel rays striking its outward-curving surface spread apart on reflection and appear to originate from a virtual focus behind the mirror, producing a virtual, upright, diminished image – a standard comparison piece alongside plane and concave reflectors in a school or college physics optics lab.

Product Description

This reflector has an outward-curving (convex) reflective surface. Incident parallel rays reflect outward and appear to originate from a virtual principal focus located behind the reflecting surface, so a convex reflector always produces a virtual, upright and diminished image of a real object – unlike a concave reflector, which can produce a real, inverted image depending on object distance.

The listed nominal size is 50 mm. Our listing does not state whether this figure is the reflecting-surface diameter, the clear aperture, or an overall mounting dimension, and we have not fabricated a more specific figure – please confirm the exact dimension, substrate and coating with our sales team if your experiment needs a precise value. It is intended for secondary-school, college and university physics laboratories for ray tracing, field-of-view comparison and geometric-optics demonstrations.

Specifications

Suggested Procedure

• Inspect the reflecting surface for dust or coating damage before use.
• Secure it in a compatible holder without touching the reflecting surface.
• Align the reflector with the object, ray source or observation axis.
• Direct narrow parallel rays toward the convex surface.
• Trace the diverging reflected rays on a suitable ray-tracing surface and extend them backward to locate the virtual focus.
• Compare the observed image size and field of view with another mirror type, then return the reflector to protected storage.

Safety Note

Never direct a laser or any concentrated light beam toward the eyes when using this reflector. Handle it only by its edges and do not use it if the substrate or coating is damaged.

Care & Maintenance

• Remove loose dust with clean air or a soft optical brush.
• Clean only with a suitable optical cloth and an approved cleaning method.
• Do not apply pressure to the curved reflecting surface.
• Store the reflector in a padded, dry and dust-free container.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip (The Lab Equipment Pvt Ltd) supplies physics, chemistry, biology and STEM laboratory equipment to schools, colleges and training institutes. For a wider ray-optics setup, see our Laser Optics Experiment Tank Kit, or visit our homepage to browse the full physics lab equipment range. Our team can confirm exact dimensions, packaging and institutional-supply documentation for this reflector before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Optical Convex Reflector 50mm demonstrate?

It demonstrates reflection at a convex (outward-curving) surface. Parallel incident rays reflect outward and appear to diverge from a virtual focus behind the mirror, producing a virtual, upright and diminished image – a standard ray-optics demonstration for school and college physics labs.

Does “50mm” refer to the mirror’s diameter or its aperture?

The listing states a nominal size of 50 mm, but this does not by itself confirm whether the figure is the reflecting-surface diameter, the clear aperture, or an overall mounting dimension. Please confirm the exact measurement with our sales team before relying on it for a quantitative experiment.

What holder or bench does this reflector work with?

It is meant to be secured in a compatible optical-component holder or clamp, of the kind used on an optical bench or in a ray-optics kit, so it can be aligned with a parallel-ray source. Confirm holder/bench compatibility with our sales team for your specific setup.

How should I clean and store the reflector?

Remove loose dust with clean air or a soft optical brush and clean only with a proper optical cloth and approved method. Avoid pressing on the curved reflecting surface, and store the reflector in a padded, dry, dust-free container when it is not in use.

Last Updated: September 2026