Question

List some characteristics of a plane mirror.

Answer 1

Hint:First of all explain about the plane mirror and then its characteristics. Then explain about the real images and virtual images in order to get a clear understanding about the nature of the image formed by the plane mirror. The image formed by the plane mirror can be seen only by looking into the mirror.

Complete step by step answer: A Plane mirror is a mirror having a flat and reflective surface. For light rays striking the plane mirror, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
Some characteristics of plane mirror are:
(A) The image formed by the plane mirror is virtual.
Virtual image: It is the image which cannot be obtained on a screen.
Real image: It is the image which can be obtained on the screen.
(B) The image formed by the plane mirror is erect i.e. it is the same side up as the object.
(C) The image formed by the plane mirror is of the same size as that of the object.
(D) The image formed by the plane mirror is at the same distance behind the mirror as that of the object is in front of the plane mirror.
(E) The image formed by the plane mirror is laterally inverted or sideways reversed.

Note:Lateral inversion means that the right side of the object appears to become the left side of the image and the left side of the object appears to be the right side of the image. For example, if we write number 10 on a sheet of paper and bring this paper in front of the plane mirror then the image will show 01 not 10. This phenomenon is because of the reflection of light.