Question

A mirror always forms virtual and diminished image it is a :

• A. convex mirror
• B. plane mirror
• C. concave mirror
• D. none of these

Hint:

Image characteristics to remember:
{Convex Mirror:} {Always} Virtual, Erect, Diminished. (Think: rear-view mirror in cars - gives a smaller, upright image of a wide area).
{Plane Mirror:} {Always} Virtual, Erect, Same Size.
{Concave Mirror:} Image type varies with object position (can be real/virtual, inverted/erect, magnified/diminished/same size). The question specifies "always virtual and diminished". This points directly to a convex mirror.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Different types of mirrors have characteristic image-forming properties. We need to identify the mirror type that *always* produces a virtual and diminished image, regardless of the object's position (as long as it's a real object in front of the mirror). Step 1: Analyze the image properties of different mirrors
Convex Mirror: A convex mirror (diverging mirror) {always} forms an image that is:
Virtual (formed behind the mirror, cannot be projected on a screen).
Erect (upright relative to the object).
Diminished (smaller than the object). This is true for all positions of a real object placed in front of the convex mirror.
Plane Mirror: A plane mirror {always} forms an image that is:
Virtual.
Erect.
Same size as the object (not diminished, not magnified).
Laterally inverted.
Concave Mirror: A concave mirror (converging mirror) can form various types of images depending on the object's position:
If the object is between the pole and focus: Forms a virtual, erect, and {magnified} image.
If the object is at the focus: Image is at infinity (real, inverted, highly magnified).
If the object is between focus and center of curvature: Forms a real, inverted, and {magnified} image.
If the object is at the center of curvature: Forms a real, inverted image of the {same size}.
If the object is beyond the center of curvature: Forms a real, inverted, and {diminished} image. So, a concave mirror does not {always} form a virtual and diminished image. It can form real images, and it can form magnified virtual images. Step 2: Identify the mirror that meets the specified criteria The question states the mirror "always forms virtual and diminished image". Based on our analysis:
A convex mirror always forms virtual, erect, and diminished images.
A plane mirror always forms virtual, erect, same-size images.
A concave mirror forms different types of images depending on object position. Therefore, the mirror that always forms a virtual and diminished image is a convex mirror.