1 Optics : Reflection of Light

Multiple choice questions (1 mark)

1. Which of the following mirror is used by a dentist to examine a small cavity ?
(1) concave mirror (2) convex mirror
(3) combination of (1) and (2) (4) none of these.
Ans. Option (1)
Dentists uses concave mirrors to examine small cavity. This is because a concave mirror
forms a virtual, erect and enlarged image when the object is placed within focus.
2. Choos the incorrect statement.
(1) The height of the object is taken to be positive as the object is usually placed above the
principal axis.
(2) The height of the image should be taken as positive for both virtual and real image.
(3) A negative sign in the magnification indicates that the image is real.
(4) A positive sign in the value of the magnification indicates that the image is virtual.
Ans. Option (2)
The height of image is taken negative for real image as the real image is always formed as
inverted.
3. The image shows the path of incident rays to a concave mirror.
Object

F
O
C

Where would the reflected rays meet for the image formation to take place ?
(1) between F and O (2) beyond C
(3) between C and F (4) behind the mirror
Ans. Option (3)
Image formation takes placed between the principal focus and center of curvature.
Object

F
O
C

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4. An object is placed at a distance of 30 cm from convex mirror of focal length 15 cm. the
image formed is
(1) 20 cm from the pole. (2) –10 cm from the pole
(3) + 10 cm from the pole (4) + 60 cm from the pole
Ans. Option (3)
Using mirror formula
1 1 1
+ =
v u f
1 1 1
– =
v 30 15
1 1 1 1 3
= + = =
v 15 30 v 30
v=10 cm
5. The image of the distant object is obtained on a screen by using a concave mirror. The focal
length of the mirror can be determined by measuring the distance between
(1) the object and the mirror
(2) the object and the screen
(3) the mirror and the screen
(4) the mirror and the screen as well as that between the object and the screen
Ans. Option (3)
For an object at infinity, all the parallel rays after reflection from the concave mirror will
pass through the focus, thus image is formed at focus. Hence, focal length can determined
by measuring the distance between mirror and screen.
6. The magnification produced by a rear view mirror fitted in vehicles is
(1) less than 1
(2) more than 1
(3) equal to 1
(4) less than 1 or more than 1 depending on the position of the object in front of it
Ans. Option (1)
Convex mirror is used as rear view mirror and always forms virtual, erect and diminished
image. So, magnification produced by a rear view mirror is less than one.
7. The full length image of a distant tall building can definitely be seen by using
(1) a concave mirror (2) a convex mirror
(3) a plane mirror (4) both concave as well as plane mirrors
Ans. Option (2)
The full length image of a distant tall building can definitely be seen by using a convex
mirror.
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Assertion and Reason questions
The following questions consist of two statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer
these questions
(1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(3) A is true but R is false.
(4) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A) : The centre of curvature is not a part of the mirror. It lies outside its
reflecting surface.
Reason (R) : The reflecting surface of a spherical mirror forms a part of a sphere. This
sphere has a centre.
Ans. Option (1)
The centre of curvature is not a part of the mirror. It lies outside its reflecting surface and
the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror forms a part of a sphere. This sphere has a centre
9. Assertion (A) : The mirrors used in search lights are concave spherical.
Reason (R) : In concave spherical mirror the image formed is always virtual.
Ans. Option (3)
Concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images.
10. Assertion (A) : The height of an object is always considered positive.
Reason (R) : An object is always placed above the principal axis in the upward direction.
Ans. Option (1)
The height of an object is always considered positive and an object is always placed above
the principal axis in the upward direction.
Very short answer type questions (1 mark)
11. An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm in front of a concave mirror. It forms a real image
four times larger than the object. Calculate the distance from the mirror.
Ans. Here, u = –12 cm, m = –4, v =?
-v
As m =
u
−v
or –4 =
−12
or v = –48 cm
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12. Which property of concave mirror is utilised for using them as shaving mirrors?
Ans. When an object is placed between the pole and focus of concave mirror, a magnified, erect
and virtual image is obtained.
13. What is the minimum distance between an object and its real image in case of a concave
mirror?
Ans. Zero (0). When the object is at centre of curvature.
14. Where will the image be formed by a convex mirror if object is placed between infinity and
pole of the mirror?
Ans. Between pole and focus of the convex mirror and behind the convex mirror.
15. Draw a ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray corresponding to an incident ray
which is directed parallel to the principal axis of a convex mirror. Mark on it, the angle of
incidence and the angle of reflection.
Reflected ray
Ans. Normal
r
Incident ray i

P F C

Convex mirror

Here, i = angle of incidence and r = angle of reflection.

Short answer type questions (2 marks)
16. An object is placed at a distance of 20 cm in front of a convex mirror of radius of curvature
30 cm. Find the position and nature of the image.
Ans. Here, object distance, u = –20 cm
Radius of curvature = 30 cm, v = ?
1 1 1 2
As + = =
v u f R
1 2 1
 = -
v R u
1 2 1 4+3 7
= + =- =
v 30 20 60 60
60
v = = 8.57 cm
7
As v is positive, image is at the back of the mirror. It must be virtual and erect.

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17. With the help of ray diagrams, show the formation of the image of an object by a concave
mirror, when it is placed
(i) beyond the centre of curvature.
(ii) at the centre of curvature.
M M
A D
A D Object
Image
Ans. (i) Object B'
P
(ii) B
P
B C F B' F
A' Image

M' F A' M' E

18. List four characteristics of the image formed by plane mirrors?

Ans. (i) Image formed by a plane mirror is always virtual and erect.
(ii) The size of the image is equal to the size of the object.
(iii) The image formed is as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
19. How can you distinguish between a plane mirror, a concave mirror and a convex mirror
without touching them?
Ans. By keeping the mirrors closer to us and observing the virtual image formed by the three
mirrors, we can distinguish between the mirrors as:
(i) Plane mirror will produce a virtual image of the same size,
(ii) Concave mirror will produce a magnified virtual image, and
(iii) Convex mirror will produce a diminished virtual image.
20. (i) What should be the position of the object when a concave mirror is to be used
(a) as a shaving mirror and
(b) in torches producing parallel beam of light?
(ii) A man standing in front of a mirror, finds his image having a very small head and legs
of normal size. What type of mirrors are used in designing such a mirror?
Ans. (i) (a) Object should be between pole and focus.
(b) Object should be at the focus.
(ii) (a) Small head image - convex mirror.
(b) Normal size image of legs - plane mirror.
Short answer type questions (3 marks)
21. An object 2 cm high is placed at a distance of 16 cm from a concave mirror which produces
a real image 3 cm high.
(i) Find the position of the image
(ii) What is the focal length of mirror?

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Ans. Given :
Object height, h = +2 cm
Image height, h' = –3 cm (real image)
Object distance, u = –16 cm
Image distance, v = ?
Focal length, f = ?
(i) Position of image :
From the expression of magnification
h' v
m= =-
h u
h'
We have, v = –u
h
Putting values, we get
-3
v = – (–16) ×
2
or v = –24 cm
The image is formed at distance of 24 cm in front of the mirror (negative sign means
object and image are on the same side).
(ii) Focal length of mirror
1 1 1
Using mirror formula, = +
f u v
1 1 1
Putting values, we get = +
f −16 −24
−3 − 2 5
= =−
48 48
48
or f = − = –9.6 cm
5
22. A spherical mirror produces an image of magnification –1 on a screen placed at a distance
of 50 cm from the mirror.
(i) Write the type of mirror.
(ii) Find the distance of the image from the object.
(iii) What is the focal length of the mirror?
(iv) Draw the ray diagram to show the image formation in this case.

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Ans. (i) The mirror is concave mirror.
(ii) Given, m = –1, u = –50 cm
−v
 Magnification, m =
u
−v
 –1 =
−50
 v = –50 cm
Therefore, the image is real and inverted and of same size as that of the object.
Here, object is placed at centre of curvature, so the object distance is equal to the image
distance, since screen is placed at distance = image distance = 50 cm.
(iii) Here, R = 2f = –50 cm
50
f=– = –25 cm
2
Focal length of the concave mirror will be negative.
(iv)
A M
Object
B
C B' P
F
Image
A' N

23. You wish to obtain an erect image of an object, using concave mirror of focal length 15 cm.
What should be the range of the distance of the object from the mirror? What is the nature
of image? Is the image larger or smaller than the object ? Draw a ray diagram to show the
formation of image in this case.
Ans. (a) The object should lie between P and F. Thus the range of object position from the pole
of mirror should be from 0 to 15 cm.
(b) The image is virtual and erect.
(c) Image is larger than the size of the object.
(d) Image is formed behind the mirror.
A1
E
A
D
C F B P B1
(Object) (Image)

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24. An object 5.0 cm in length is placed at a distance of 20 cm in front of a convex mirror of
radius of curvature 30 cm. Find the position of the image, its nature and size.
R 30
Ans. f= = = 15 cm (convex mirror)
2 2
f = +15 cm, u = –20 cm, ho = 5.0 cm
1 1 1
 + = (mirror formula)
v u f
1 1 1
 + =
v ( −20) 15
1 1 1
= +
v 15 20
1 7 60
= or v= cm = 8.57 cm
v 60 7
Image is virtual, erect and is formed behind the mirror.
hi v
Also, =−
ho u
hi 8.57
 =−
5 ( −20)
 hi = 2.14 cm
Long answer type questions (5 marks)
25. (a) To construct a ray diagram we use two rays of light which are so chosen that it is easy
to determine their directions after reflection from the mirror. Choose these two rays
and state the path of these rays after reflection from a concave mirror. Use these two
rays to find the nature and position of the image of an object placed at a distance of
15 cm from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm.
(b) Draw the ray diagram when
(i) an object is placed at focus of the concave mirror.
(ii) an object is placed at some finite distance from a convex mirror.
Ans. (a) The rays that can be chosen are :
(i) A ray parallel to the principal axis which will pass through the principal focus of a
concave mirror, after reflection.
(ii) A ray passing through the centre of curvature of a concave mirror is reflected back
along the same path, after reflection.
Object distance, u = –15 cm, focal length,
f = –10 cm, image distance, v = ?
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15 cm
30 cm
M

Object E
(Image) A D
B’ C
BF P

A’

10 cm

Apply mirror formula,

1 1 1
+ =
v u f
1 1 1
or = −
v f u
1 1 1
or = −
v −10 −15
1 1 1 −3 + 2 −1
or =− + = =
v 10 15 30 30
or v = –30
A real and inverted image is formed at a distance of 30 cm in front of the mirror
(negative sign means object and image are on the same side).
(Object)
A
(b) (i) C
B
F P

Object placed at focus of the

concave mirror

A
(ii)
A’

B P B’ F C
(Object) (Image)

Object placed at some finite

distance from a convex mirror
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26. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a screen 80 cm in front of a mirror
by keeping the candle flame at a distance of 20 cm from its pole.
(i) Which type of mirror should the student use?
(ii) Find the magnification of the image produced.
(iii) Find the distance between the object and its image.
(iv) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation. In this case, mark the distance
between the object and its image.
Ans. (i) Concave mirror should be used.
(ii) Object distance, u = –20 cm; image distance, v = –80 cm; magnification, m = ?
v ( −80 cm)
m =− =− = –4
u ( −20 cm)
(iii) Distance between object and its image
= |v| – |u| = 60 cm
M
(iv) 60 cm

A
B’ C P
B F
(Image) Object

A’

27. A student has focused the image of a candle flame on a white screen using a concave mirror.
The situation is as given below :
Length of the flame = 1.5 cm
Focal length of the mirror = 12 cm
Distance of flame from the mirror = 18 cm
If the flame is perpendicular to the principal axis of the mirror, then calculate the following:
(a) Distance of the image from the mirror.
(b) Length of the image.
If the distance between the mirror and the flame is reduced to 10 cm, then what would be
observed on the screen? Draw ray diagram to justify your answer for this situation.
Ans. Given : height of object, h = + 1.5 cm; focal length, f = –12 cm; object distance, u = –18 cm;
image distance, v = ?; height of image, h' = ?

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1 1 1
(a) Applying mirror formula, = +
f v u
1 1 1 1 1
 = − = −
v f u ( −12) ( −18)
−1 1 −3 + 2 −1
= + = =
12 18 36 36
v = –36 cm
v  −36 cm 
(b) h' = −  h = −    1.5 cm
u  −18 cm 
= –3 cm (Magnified, inverted image)
If u = –10 cm, no image would be formed on the screen. In this case the image formed
will be virtual, erect and magnified and its location will be behind the mirror.
A’
M
A

C F B P B’

N
28. Size of image of an object formed by a mirror having a focal length of 20 cm, is observed to
be reduced to 1 rd of its size. At what distance the object has been placed from the mirror?
3
What is the nature of the image and the mirror?
Ans. An image smaller in size can be formed both by a concave mirror as well as a convex mirror.
Case I : When mirror is concave, the diminished image is real.
1
Hence, m = − , f = –20 cm
3
v 1 v
As m = − − = −
u 3 u
u
 v=
3
1 1 1
Using, + =
v u f
3 1 1 4 1
or + = or =−
u u −20 u 20
or u = –80 cm
u −80
Now, v = = cm = –26.66 cm
3 3
 Image is real and inverted.

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Case II : When mirror is convex, the diminished image is virtual.
1
m= , f =+20 cm
3
v 1 u
As, m = − = v= −
u 3 3
1 1 1
Using, + =
v u f
3 1 1
or − + =  u = –40 cm
u u 20
( −40) 40
and v = – = cm = 13.33 cm
3 3
 Image is virtual and erect.
Case Study/Source Based Question
29. Read the following passage. Answer the following questions.
Renu adjusts a mirror in her hand to obtain a clear but smaller image of a candle flame on a
white screen placed in front of the mirror.
Raman, a friend of Renu conducts an experiment using Renu's mirror and obtains the image
of very distant object clearly when screen is placed at 5 cm in front of this mirror.
(a) What type of mirror has Renu used ?
(b) What type of image of the candle flame is obtained on the screen ?
(c) If Renu covers the upper half of the mirror's reflecting surface with a black paper, what
will happen?
(d) If another object is placed at 3 cm from the mirror, what is the image distance ?
OR
Write any two uses of this mirror.
Ans. (a) Concave Mirror
(b) Real, inverted and diminished
(c) Whole image is formed but with less brightness.
(d) f = –5 cm, u = –3 cm, v = ?
1 1 1 1 1 1
+ = or = –
v u f v 5 –3
1 –3 + 5 15
= or v=
v 15 2
v = 7.5 cm
OR
Concave mirror is used as a shaving mirror.
Concave mirror is used in solar furnaces.

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