Question map
Which one of the following statements is correct for a plane mirror?
Explanation
A plane mirror is a flat reflecting surface that produces a replica of the object placed in front of it. The image formed by a plane mirror is always virtual, erect, and of the same size as the object [1]. A key characteristic of this image is lateral inversion, where the left and right sides of the object appear interchanged in the reflection. Regarding its optical properties, a plane mirror can be considered a spherical mirror with an infinite radius of curvature; consequently, its focal length is infinite, not zero or 200 cm. The magnification produced is exactly +1, indicating that the image is upright and identical in size to the object [1]. Therefore, statement 3 correctly describes the nature and orientation of the image formed by a plane mirror.
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Light – Reflection and Refraction > EXERCISES > p. 160