Question

Consider the following diagram in which \[M\] is a mirror and $P$ is an object and $Q$ is its magnified image formed by the mirror.

Answer 1

Hint:We need to find the type of mirror based on the type of image formed by the mirror. The given image is a virtual, erect and magnified image. We need to draw a ray diagram and discuss the nature of the mirror.

Complete step by step answer:
We will draw the ray diagram first and try to identify the nature of the mirror.

The object is kept between the focus and the pole of the mirror and as we can see when we draw a ray parallel to the principal axis and a ray passing through the pole of the mirror and when we extend the reflected rays to meet at a point where is image is formed, we can see that the nature of the mirror is converging as the incident rays are converging to a point in the other side of the mirror to form a virtual object.

Therefore the nature of the mirror is a concave mirror.

Additional information: When a ray strikes concave or convex mirrors obliquely at its pole, it is reflected obliquely. When a ray, parallel to the principal axis strikes concave or convex mirrors, the reflected ray passes through the focus on the principal axis. When a ray, passing through focus strikes concave or convex mirrors, the reflected ray will pass parallel to the principal axis. A ray passing through the centre of curvature of the spherical mirror will retrace its path after reflection.

Note:Concave mirrors form both real and virtual images. When the object is very close to the mirror, a virtual magnified image is formed and as we increase the distance between the mirror and the object, the size of the image decreases and real images are formed.