Question

State whether the following statement is True or False.
A concave mirror always forms a real image
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: In case of mirrors, real image is formed, when the image is formed on the same side of the object. Virtual images are formed on the other side of the object. Real images are formed by solid lines, while virtual images are formed by dashed lines.

Complete answer:
When the object is held between the focus and the pole of the mirror, a concave mirror often forms a virtual image. The image created by the concave mirror is real in all other cases. When the object is placed inside the focus, the light rays after reflection, does not actually meet, but appears to meet if the rays are extrapolated backward. There it will form an image which is virtual in nature. Therefore, depending on the location of the object on the principal axis, a concave mirror forms both actual and virtual images.

Hence, its false, option B.

Additional information:
Concave mirror: A concave mirror has a reflective surface that is recessed inward, or a converging mirror (away from the incident light). Concave mirrors up to one focal point reflect light inward. They are used to light focus. Concave mirrors show various image forms, unlike convex mirrors, depending on the distance between the object and the mirror.

These mirrors are referred to as “converging mirrors” as they appear to gather light that falls on them, refocusing incoming parallel rays into a focus. This is because the light is reflected on the mirror at various points at different angles, as the regular surface of the mirror varies at each point.

Note:Remember that true and virtual images can be created by concave mirrors; they can be upright (if virtual) or inverted (if real); they can be behind the mirror (if virtual) or in front of the mirror (if real); they can be expanded, diminished, or of the same size as the object. In case of mirrors, the image distance is negative if the image is real and it is positive if it is virtual.