Image formed by Plane Mirror is always ______.

Virtual and Erect

The correct answer is option 1. Virtual and Erect.

Let  us delve into an explanation of the properties of an image formed by a plane mirror:

1. Virtual Image:

When light rays reflect off a plane mirror, they appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror.

This means that the image formed by a plane mirror is virtual, meaning it is not a real convergence of light rays. Instead, it is an apparent image formed by the extension of reflected rays backward.

2. Erect Image:

The image formed by a plane mirror appears upright, maintaining the same orientation as the object.

This means that if the object is oriented in a certain way (e.g., vertical), its image in the mirror will also be oriented in the same way, without any inversion.

3. Location of the Image:

The virtual image formed by a plane mirror appears to be located behind the mirror.

The distance of the virtual image from the mirror is the same as the distance of the object from the mirror, but in the opposite direction. This is known as the "law of reflection."

4. No Magnification:

A plane mirror produces an image that is the same size as the object.

There is no magnification or reduction of size in the image formed by a plane mirror. The image size is equal to the object size.

5. Application:

Plane mirrors are commonly used in daily life, such as in bathrooms, dressing rooms, and optical instruments like periscopes.

They allow us to see our reflections and provide a convenient way to view objects without altering their appearance.

In summary, an image formed by a plane mirror is always virtual and erect. It appears behind the mirror, maintains the same orientation as the object, and has the same size as the object. These properties make plane mirrors valuable tools in various applications, including personal grooming, surveillance, and optical devices.