Identify the mirrors on the basis of information given in the following table…

2024

Identify the mirrors on the basis of information given in the following table :

Mirror

Nature of image

Size of image

A

virtual and erect

same as object

B

real and inverted

same as object

C

real and inverted

enlarged

D

virtual and erect

diminished

  1. A.

    A - Plane, B - Convex, C - Concave, D - Convex

  2. B.

    A - Convex, B - Concave, C - Convex, D - Concave

  3. C.

    A - Plane mirror, B - Concave, C - Concave, D - Convex

  4. D.

    A - Concave, B - Plane, C - Convex, D - Concave

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Concept

The nature (real/virtual, erect/inverted) and size (same/enlarged/diminished) of the image formed by a mirror depend on its type. A plane mirror always forms a virtual, erect image equal in size to the object. A convex mirror always forms a virtual, erect, diminished image. A concave mirror can form several different images depending on the object's distance: a virtual, erect, enlarged image when the object is within the focus; a real, inverted, enlarged image when the object is between the focus and the centre of curvature; a real, inverted, same-size image when the object is at the centre of curvature; and a real, inverted, diminished image when the object is beyond the centre of curvature.

Application

  1. Mirror A gives a virtual, erect image the same size as the object. Only a plane mirror always produces this exact combination for every object position, so A is a plane mirror.

  2. Mirror B gives a real, inverted image the same size as the object. A real image rules out both plane and convex mirrors (neither ever forms one), so B must be concave; a concave mirror gives a same-size real image specifically when the object sits at the centre of curvature.

  3. Mirror C gives a real, inverted, enlarged image. This particular combination occurs for a concave mirror when the object lies between the focus and the centre of curvature, so C is also concave.

  4. Mirror D gives a virtual, erect, diminished image. Diminishing a virtual, erect image is the one behaviour unique to a convex mirror, so D is a convex mirror.

Cross-check

  • A convex mirror never forms a real image and never enlarges or keeps an image the same size — this rules out convex for A, B, and C, consistent with the assignment above.

  • A plane mirror never forms a real image and never changes the image size — this rules out plane for B, C, and D, again consistent with the assignment above.

  • Every mirror in the table is therefore accounted for by exactly one type, with no contradictions: A - Plane, B - Concave, C - Concave, D - Convex.

Explore the full course: Uptet Paper 2

Loading lesson…