The image seen in a plane mirror is located
A. at the surface of the mirror
B. behind the mirror
C. in front of the mirror
D. at the position of the object
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
B. Behind the mirror
Explanation:
A plane mirror creates a virtual image of an object placed in front of it. This means the image cannot be projected onto a screen, but it appears to be located behind the mirror when viewed by an observer. The following points explain why this happens:
- Law of Reflection
Light follows the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. When light from an object strikes the mirror, it reflects off at the same angle but in the opposite direction. - Virtual Image Formation
The human brain interprets the reflected light rays as if they are traveling in straight lines. When these rays are extended backward, they appear to converge at a point behind the mirror. This is where the image is perceived, even though no actual light exists there. - Characteristics of the Image in a Plane Mirror
- Virtual: The image cannot be projected onto a screen.
- Upright: The orientation is the same as the object.
- Laterally Inverted: The left and right sides are reversed.
- Same Size: The image is of the same size as the object.
- Equidistant from the Mirror: The image appears as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
- Why Not Other Options?
- A. At the surface of the mirror → Incorrect, because the image is perceived behind the mirror, not on its surface.
- C. In front of the mirror → Incorrect, as a plane mirror never forms a real image in front of it.
- D. At the position of the object → Incorrect, since the image is not formed at the same physical location as the object.
Thus, the correct answer is B. Behind the mirror.