A student obtained a sharp inverted image of a distant tree on a screen placed in front of the concave mirror. He then removed the screen and tried to look into the mirror. He would now see
A student obtained a sharp inverted image of a distant tree on a screen placed in front of the concave mirror. He then removed the screen and tried to look into the mirror. He would now see
Options
The correct option is D (a highly diminished inverted image of the tree at the focus of the mirror).
Marking Scheme
- 1Correct option selected (1 mark)
Hint
A real image is formed by actual intersecting rays. It exists in space at the focal point even if the screen is removed.
Quick Oral Answer
Yes, a real image exists in space even without a screen because the reflected light rays physically intersect at that point.
Analysis & Explanation
A concave mirror forms a real, inverted, and highly diminished image of a distant object at its principal focus.
- A real image is formed by the actual intersection of reflected light rays in space.
- Even if the screen is removed, the light rays still converge and intersect at the focus before diverging again.
- If the student removes the screen and looks directly into the mirror from a position behind the focus, their eyes will receive these diverging rays. Consequently, they will see the real, highly diminished, and inverted image of the tree suspended in the air at the focus of the mirror. Therefore, Option D is correct.
Common Mistakes
- 1Thinking that no image is formed once the screen is removed (Option C). The screen only serves to project the image, but the light rays still intersect in space to form the image.
Interesting Facts
This principle of seeing a real image suspended in space is used in creating optical illusions, such as 3D holograms using concave mirrors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Light — Reflection and Refraction" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Image Formation by Concave Mirror" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?
This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.