Question

A virtual image larger than the object can be produced by a
(a). Concave mirror
(b). Convex mirror
(c). Plane mirror
(d). Concave lens

Answer 1

- Hint: Though the virtual image can be formed by any of the above mirrors or lens but the size of the image which will form will depend on the nature of the mirror or lens and the position of the object when placed in front of the mirror or the lens for getting the image of the larger size.

Complete step-by-step solution -
Here he is given four different options to check the nature of the image formed by four different mirrors or lenses. So, we will check with each given option to get the correct option for the answer.
 So, for the Concave mirrors – Depending upon the position of the object on the principal axis concave mirrors can form real and virtual, erect and inverted, diminished, same size and magnified images. The concave mirror only forms a virtual image larger than the object when the object is placed between the focus and the pole of the mirror.
Image formed by the Convex mirror is always a virtual, erect but the size of the object is very larger than the image.
A Plane mirror always produces a virtual and erect image of the same size as that of the object. Here the position of the object doesn’t matter that hoe close or far an object is placed.
A virtual, erect and diminished image is formed by a Concave lens, and the decrease in the size of the image will depend on the position of the image. Convex lens will give the same property as that of the convex mirror.
Here we see that every given mirror or option can give a virtual image, now we will compare for the size of the image.
Plane mirror gives the same size of the image as that of the object.
Convex mirror always forms an image smaller in size than the object.
And the property of the convex mirror is the same that of the concave lens.
Hence after knowing the nature of the images formed by the different mirrors or lens, we see that the Concave mirror is best suited for the formation of a virtual image larger than the object. In only one condition the concave mirror can give a virtual image larger than the object. When the object is placed between the focus and the mirror then the concave mirror will form an image of larger size than that of the object and the image will be on the same side of the mirror and erect.

So, option (a) is the correct answer.

Note: One unique property of the plane mirror is lateral inversion. In the plane mirror left and right of the image is reversed, that means our left hand will appear as right hand in the mirror and our right hand will appear as left hand, and this property of the plane mirror is known as lateral inversion.