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
In physics, particularly in the study of optics, the image seen in a plane mirror is a virtual image that appears to be located behind the mirror. This is due to the way light reflects off the surface of the mirror and how our eyes interpret that reflected light.
A plane mirror has a flat reflective surface. When light rays from an object hit the mirror, they reflect according to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. However, our brains are wired to interpret light as traveling in straight lines. So, when we see the reflected rays, our brain traces them back in a straight line behind the mirror, creating the perception that the image is located there.
This perceived image is not real in the sense that light doesn’t actually come from that location behind the mirror. Rather, it is a virtual image, meaning it cannot be projected onto a screen. The virtual image is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it. It also appears upright and of the same size as the object but laterally inverted (left and right are switched).
Here’s a simple example: If you stand 2 meters in front of a plane mirror, your image will appear to be 2 meters behind the mirror. This symmetry occurs because the mirror reflects the light in such a way that it seems to originate from that point behind the mirror.
So, the correct choice is B. behind the mirror, because that is where the virtual image appears to be located to an observer looking into a plane mirror.
