<P> Most curved mirrors have a spherical profile . These are the simplest to make , and it is the best shape for general - purpose use . Spherical mirrors , however , suffer from spherical aberration -- parallel rays reflected from such mirrors do not focus to a single point . For parallel rays , such as those coming from a very distant object , a parabolic reflector can do a better job . Such a mirror can focus incoming parallel rays to a much smaller spot than a spherical mirror can . A toroidal reflector is a form of parabolic reflector which has a different focal distance depending on the angle of the mirror . </P>
<P> Most curved mirrors have a spherical profile . These are the simplest to make , and it is the best shape for general - purpose use . Spherical mirrors , however , suffer from spherical aberration -- parallel rays reflected from such mirrors do not focus to a single point . For parallel rays , such as those coming from a very distant object , a parabolic reflector can do a better job . Such a mirror can focus incoming parallel rays to a much smaller spot than a spherical mirror can . A toroidal reflector is a form of parabolic reflector which has a different focal distance depending on the angle of the mirror . </P>
what effect does the curvature of a mirror
what effect does the curvature of a mirror
spherical aberration
spherical aberration