Q7
2 marksShort AnswerSection A

State any four characteristics of the image of an object formed by a plane mirror.

Chemical Reactions and Equations
Reflection of Light
Official Answer

The four characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror are:

  1. The image is always virtual and erect.
  2. The size of the image is equal to that of the object.
  3. The image is formed as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
  4. The image is laterally inverted (the left side of the object appears as the right side of the image and vice versa).
virtualerectequal sizelaterally invertedsame distance

Marking Scheme

  • 10.5 marks: Virtual and erect
  • 20.5 marks: Equal size
  • 30.5 marks: Same distance behind the mirror
  • 40.5 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.

Analysis & 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 (uu) is equal to the image distance (vv), and the magnification (mm) is exactly +1+1, 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.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Stating the image is real instead of virtual.
  2. 2Forgetting to mention lateral inversion.
  3. 3Thinking the image size changes with distance.

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.

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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.