Identify the correct statement(s) with respect to the reflection of light by a spherical mirror from among the following.

(a) A convex mirror can only form real and inverted images.

(b) A concave mirror can form real, inverted and virtual, erect images.

(c) Images formed by convex mirrors are either diminished, same size or enlarged depending on the position of object.

(d) Images formed by concave mirrors are either diminished, same size or enlarged depending on the position of the object.

The correct answer is ''(b) and (c) are only correct".

Key Points

• A mirror with a curved surface is called a spherical mirror.
• The spherical mirrors are painted on one side.
• Spherical mirrors are of two types: Concave mirrors and convex mirrors.
  • In concave mirrors, the outward surface is painted and the inner surface is the reflecting surface.
  • When the concave mirror is placed close to the object - a magnified, erect, and virtual image is formed.
  • When an object is placed at some distance - the size of the image reduces, and the real and inverted image is formed.
• So, the image formed by concave mirrors can be small or large and real or virtual depending on the position of the object.

Additional Information

•  Convex mirror:
  • When the inner surface of the mirror is painted it is called as a convex mirror.
  • Virtual, erect, and diminished images are always formed in the convex mirrors. The image formation does not depend on the distance between the image and the image.
• Plane mirror:
  • ​It has a flat, smooth, and reflective surface.
  • The image formed by this mirror is always of the same size and shape as that of the object.
  • It always forms a virtual image that is upright.