State any four characteristics of the image of an object formed by a plane mirror.
State any four characteristics of the image of an object formed by a plane mirror.
Official answer
The four characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror are:
- The image is always virtual and erect.
- The size of the image is equal to that of the object.
- The image is formed as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
- The image is laterally inverted (the left side of the object appears as the right side of the image and vice versa).
Marking scheme
- 1.0.5 marks: Virtual and erect
- 2.0.5 marks: Equal size
- 3.0.5 marks: Same distance behind the mirror
- 4.0.5 marks: Laterally inverted
Hint
Think about how you appear in a dressing mirror: are you upside down? Is your image smaller than you?
Quick oral answer
The image is virtual, erect, same size as the object, and laterally inverted.
Common mistakes
- 1.Stating the image is real instead of virtual.
- 2.Forgetting to mention lateral inversion.
- 3.Thinking the image size changes with distance.
Analysis and explanation
A plane mirror forms an image through the regular reflection of light. Unlike real images formed by converging rays, a virtual image is formed where rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror. The geometry of reflection ensures that the object distance () is equal to the image distance (), and the magnification () is exactly , indicating the same size and upright orientation. Lateral inversion occurs because the mirror reverses the front-to-back axis, which we perceive as a left-right reversal.
Interesting facts
The minimum height of a plane mirror required to see a full-length image of a person is half the person's height.
Question details
Q7 of 41 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2011
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 2
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- Chemical Reactions and Equations
- Topic
- Reflection of Light
- Bloom's level
- Remembering
- Syllabus topic
- Reflection of light by plane and spherical mirrors
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Chemical Reactions and Equations" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Reflection of Light" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.