A concave mirror produces a virtual, erect and magnified image when the object is positioned _________.
- AOption (a)
Beyond the centre of curvature
- BOption (b)
At the principal focus
- COption (c)
Between the focus and the pole
- DOption (d)
Between the centre of curvature and the focus
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Correct answer
Between the focus and the pole
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Between the focus and the pole.
Key Points
- A concave mirror, also known as a converging mirror, is a spherical mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward toward the centre of curvature.
- When an object is placed between the principal focus (F) and the pole (P), the distance of the object is less than the focal length (f) of the mirror.
- Light rays from the object strike the mirror and diverge upon reflection; these rays do not meet on the real side of the mirror.
- By extending these reflected rays backward, they appear to intersect at a point behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.
- This specific image is erect (upright) and magnified (larger than the actual object), with a magnification (m) value greater than 1.
- This unique optical property is why concave mirrors are extensively used as shaving mirrors, makeup mirrors, and by dentists to see enlarged views of teeth.
Additional Information
- Beyond the centre of curvature:
- When the object is located beyond C, the rays converge to form a real, inverted, and diminished image between C and F.
- At the principal focus:
- Placing the object exactly at F results in reflected rays that are parallel to the principal axis, forming a real, inverted, and highly magnified image at infinity.
- Between the centre of curvature and the focus:
- In this position, the light rays converge to form a real, inverted, and magnified image beyond C.
- At the centre of curvature:
- When the object is at C, the mirror produces a real and inverted image that is the same size as the object, located exactly at C.