Question

Real images are always …………..
A. erect
B. smaller size
C. inverted
D. large in size

Answer 1

Hint: Real image of an object is a true replica of the given object. We do not see the image inside the mirror but it exists outside the mirror. We can see a real image by using a white screen.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Let us first understand what real images are. Real image of an object is a true replica of the given object. We do not see the image inside the mirror but it exists outside the mirror. We can see by using a screen.
Real image is found when the rays of light converge at a point after reflection on a mirror or after refraction through a lens.
For example, consider a concave mirror. We know that rays of light coming from an object that is at infinite distance are parallel to the principal axis of the mirror and they converge or intersect at a point (focus of the mirror) after reflection at the surface of the mirror.
We also know that this image is found in front of the mirror and can be obtained using a white screen. Hence, the image found is a real image.
If we placed an object above the x-axis then by geometry the rays will converge below the axis.
Therefore, the image formed will be an inverted image.
Hence, a real image is always inverted.
Therefore, the correct option is C.

Note: Note that a real image formed by a concave mirror is always inverted. However, this does not imply that an image formed by a concave mirror is always real or always inverted.
A concave mirror may form a real image or a virtual image depending on the position of the object from the pole of the mirror. It will also depend on the focal length of the mirror.