What kind of mirror can have a focal length of, −20 cm?

A concave mirror can have a focal length of -20 cm because a concave mirror has a negative $(-)$ focal length (​according to the 'new cartesian sign convention').

Explanation

The focal length of a concave mirror is negative, and that of a convex mirror is positive.

This is because according to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, the distances on the left side of the mirror from the pole (in front of the mirror) are given a negative sign, and in the concave mirror the focus lies in front of the mirror. On the other hand, distances on the right side of the mirror from the pole (behind the mirror) are given a positive sign, and in the convex mirror, the focus lies behind the mirror.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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