Consider the following statements: A real image 1. can be formed on a screen 2. is always magnified and inverted Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

A real image is defined by its ability to be projected onto a surface or screen, as it is formed by the actual convergence of light rays [2]. Statement 1 is therefore correct. Regarding statement 2, while real images are generally inverted, they are not 'always magnified'. The characteristics of a real image depend on the object's position relative to the lens or mirror [2]. For instance, a real image formed by a convex lens can be highly diminished (when the object is at infinity), diminished, the same size, or enlarged. Similarly, a concave mirror can produce real images that are diminished or enlarged depending on the object's distance [3]. Because real images can be smaller than the object, the claim that they are 'always magnified' is incorrect. Thus, only statement 1 is correct.

Sources

1. [1] https://sathee.iitk.ac.in/article/physics/physics-difference-between-real-image-and-virtual-image/
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Light – Reflection and Refraction > Activity 9.12 > p. 152
3. [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Light: Mirrors and Lenses > Snapshots > p. 165