An object is placed at 5 cm in front of a concave mirror with a radius of curvature of 20 cm. The distance of the image from mirror and its nature are
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 10 cm, virtual and erect
For a concave mirror,
$R = 20 \text{ cm}$
So the focal length is
$f = \frac{R}{2} = 10 \text{ cm}$
Using Cartesian sign convention for mirrors:
$f = -10 \text{ cm}, \quad u = -5 \text{ cm}$
Mirror formula:
$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}$
Substituting values:
$\frac{1}{-10} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{-5}$
$\frac{1}{v} = -\frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{5}$
$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{10}$
$v = 10 \text{ cm}$
Positive $v$ means the image is formed behind the mirror, hence it is virtual and erect.