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 that appears to be located behind the mirror. This means that while the image cannot be projected onto a screen, it is still visible to the observer. Understanding how this works involves the principles of reflection and perception.
1. Law of Reflection:
According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence (angle between the incoming ray and the normal) is equal to the angle of reflection (angle between the reflected ray and the normal). When light from an object strikes a plane mirror, it reflects in such a way that the reflected rays appear to come from a point behind the mirror.
2. Virtual Image Formation:
When the reflected rays reach our eyes, our brain traces them back in a straight line. The brain assumes the light has traveled in a straight path, and thus, the image appears to be located behind the mirror, at the same distance as the object is in front of it. For example, if an object is 2 feet in front of the mirror, its image will appear to be 2 feet behind the mirror.
3. Properties of the Image:
- Virtual: It cannot be captured on a screen.
- Upright: Same orientation as the object.
- Laterally Inverted: Left and right are reversed.
- Same Size: The image size equals the object size.
- Same Distance: The image appears the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front.
4. Why Not Other Options?
- A (Surface): No image forms directly at the mirror’s surface.
- C (In front): Only real images form in front, and plane mirrors don’t produce real images.
- D (At object position): The image is a separate perception, not superimposed on the object.
Hence, the correct and scientifically accurate answer is B. Behind the mirror.