Question

When a divergent beam of light is incident on a plane mirror, the image formed is
A. Upright and real
B. Upright and virtual
C. Inverted and virtual
D. Inverted and real

Answer 1

Hint: For such types of questions, it should be remembered that plane mirrors always form virtual and erect images of real objects. Also, the image formed will be laterally inverted. The plane mirror has focal length infinity, and its optical power is zero.

Complete Step-by-Step solution:
When a divergent beam of light is incident on a plane mirror then the type formed is Inverted and virtual.
So, as we know that plane mirrors are the only type of mirror for which a real object always produces an image that is virtual, erect and of the same size as the object.
Now, when a divergent beam of light is incident on a plane mirror, then the image formed is virtual and erect. And it is of the same size but is literally inverted.
Hence, the correct option is C.

Note – A plane mirror is a smooth polished surface that can turn the rays of light into the same medium. Also, note that when a divergent beam of light is incident on a plane mirror, it is reflected back as a divergent beam. Also, when the rays of light starting from a point travel in different directions, then the collection of such rays is termed as a divergent beam of light. As mentioned in the solution, the image formed in this case is inverted and virtual.