Question 295 marksLong AnswerSection C

Draw a ray diagram in each of the following cases to show the formation of image, when the object is placed:

(i) between optical centre and principal focus of a convex lens.

(ii) anywhere in front of a concave lens.

(iii) at 2F of a convex lens.


State the signs and values of magnifications in the above mentioned cases (i) and (ii).

Light — Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of Light by Spherical Mirrors

Official answer

To find the position and size of the image formed by the concave mirror, we use the mirror formula and magnification formula.


(i) Position of the Screen

Given:

  • Size of the object, h=+4.0 cmh = +4.0\text{ cm}
  • Object distance, u=−25.0 cmu = -25.0\text{ cm} (by sign convention)
  • Focal length of the concave mirror, f=−15.0 cmf = -15.0\text{ cm} (by sign convention)

Using the mirror formula:

1v+1u=1f\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}


Substituting the values:

1v+1−25.0=1−15.0\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-25.0} = \frac{1}{-15.0}

1v=−115.0+125.0\frac{1}{v} = -\frac{1}{15.0} + \frac{1}{25.0}

1v=−5+375.0=−275.0\frac{1}{v} = \frac{-5 + 3}{75.0} = -\frac{2}{75.0}

v=−37.5 cmv = -37.5\text{ cm}


Thus, the screen should be placed at a distance of 37.5 cm37.5\text{ cm} in front of the mirror to obtain a sharp image.


(ii) Size of the Image

Using the magnification formula:

m=h′h=−vum = \frac{h'}{h} = -\frac{v}{u}


Substituting the values:

h′4.0=−−37.5−25.0\frac{h'}{4.0} = -\frac{-37.5}{-25.0}

h′4.0=−1.5\frac{h'}{4.0} = -1.5

h′=−1.5×4.0=−6.0 cmh' = -1.5 \times 4.0 = -6.0\text{ cm}


The negative sign indicates that the image is real and inverted. The size of the image is 6.0 cm6.0\text{ cm}.


(iii) Ray Diagram

Since the object is placed at 25.0 cm25.0\text{ cm} (which is between the focus FF at 15.0 cm15.0\text{ cm} and the centre of curvature CC at 30.0 cm30.0\text{ cm}), the image is formed beyond CC (at 37.5 cm37.5\text{ cm}), and is real, inverted, and magnified.



Answer keywords:mirror formulamagnificationconcave mirrorreal and invertedscreen distancesize of imageray diagram

Marking scheme

  1. 1.Writing the mirror formula and substituting values with correct sign conventions (u=−25.0 cmu = -25.0\text{ cm}, f=−15.0 cmf = -15.0\text{ cm}) (1 mark)
  2. 2.Calculating the image distance v=−37.5 cmv = -37.5\text{ cm} and stating the screen position (1 mark)
  3. 3.Using the magnification formula to find the image height h′=−6.0 cmh' = -6.0\text{ cm} (1 mark)
  4. 4.Stating the nature of the image (real and inverted) (1 mark)
  5. 5.Drawing a neat, labeled ray diagram showing the object between CC and FF and the image beyond CC (1 mark)

Hint

Use the mirror formula 1v+1u=1f\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f} with proper sign conventions (u=−25.0 cmu = -25.0\text{ cm}, f=−15.0 cmf = -15.0\text{ cm}) to find vv. Then use h′=−vu×hh' = -\frac{v}{u} \times h to find the image size. Since the object is between CC and FF, the image will be formed beyond CC.

Quick oral answer

For a concave mirror, if the object is placed between the focus and the centre of curvature, the image formed is real, inverted, and magnified, and it is located beyond the centre of curvature.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Taking the focal length of the concave mirror as positive (+15.0 cm+15.0\text{ cm} instead of −15.0 cm-15.0\text{ cm}).
  2. 2.Forgetting to apply the negative sign in the magnification formula m=−vum = -\frac{v}{u}.
  3. 3.Not writing the unit (cm) in the final answers.
  4. 4.Drawing the ray diagram without arrows showing the direction of light propagation.

Analysis and explanation

This question tests the application of the mirror formula and magnification formula for a concave mirror. According to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, the focal length of a concave mirror is always negative, and the object distance is also negative because the object is placed in front of the mirror. The resulting negative image distance (v=−37.5 cmv = -37.5\text{ cm}) confirms that a real image is formed on the same side as the object, requiring a screen to be placed there. The magnification (m=−1.5m = -1.5) is negative and has a magnitude greater than 11, which correctly aligns with the theoretical expectation from Table 9.1: an object placed between CC and FF of a concave mirror produces a real, inverted, and magnified image beyond CC.

Interesting facts

A concave mirror acts as a magnifying glass when the object is placed very close to it (between PP and FF), but acts as a projector/converger when the object is placed beyond FF, creating real images on a screen.

Question details

Q29 of 39 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 10
Subject
Science
Year
2020
Section
Section C
Marks
5
Type
Long Answer
Chapter
Light — Reflection and Refraction
Topic
Reflection of Light by Spherical Mirrors
Bloom's level
Applying
Syllabus topic
Reflection of light by spherical mirrors; Mirror formula; Magnification; Ray diagrams

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?

This question carries 5 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 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 "Reflection of Light by Spherical Mirrors" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?

This is a Long Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.