A concave mirror can produce an erect and enlarged image of an object. This occurs when the object is placed between the focal point (F) and the pole (P) of the concave mirror. In this position, the image formed is virtual, erect, and larger than the actual object, making concave mirrors useful in applications like shaving or makeup mirrors where magnification is desired.


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Introduction to Mirror Types

Variety of Reflective Surfaces: In the realm of optics, mirrors are categorized based on their shapes and the types of images they produce. The two primary types are concave and convex mirrors, each with distinct image-forming characteristics.

Concave Mirrors

Unique Properties: A concave mirror is a spherical mirror that curves inward, resembling a portion of the interior of a sphere. This type of mirror is known for its ability to focus light and produce various types of images depending on the object’s position relative to the mirror.

Image Formation in Concave Mirrors

Erect and Enlarged Images: When an object is placed between the focal point (F) and the pole (P) of a concave mirror, the mirror produces a virtual, erect, and enlarged image of the object. This is unlike the diminished, real, and inverted images formed when the object is placed beyond the focal point.

Application in Daily Life

Practical Use: This property of concave mirrors is utilized in everyday objects like shaving mirrors or makeup mirrors. These mirrors provide an enlarged and erect image, allowing for detailed viewing, which is essential for precise grooming tasks.

Limitation of Convex Mirrors

Contrasting Characteristics: In contrast, a convex mirror, which curves outward, cannot produce an enlarged and erect image. Convex mirrors always form images that are virtual, erect, but diminished, making them unsuitable for applications where magnification is required.

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Optimal Choice for Enlargement: Therefore, for obtaining an erect and enlarged image of an object, a concave mirror is the optimal choice. Its unique ability to magnify while maintaining the orientation of the image makes it indispensable in specific applications requiring detailed and enlarged views.

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Questions of 10th Science Chapter 9 in Detail

Define the principal focus of a concave mirror.
The radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is 20 cm. What is its focal length?
Name a mirror that can give an erect and enlarged image of an object.
Why do we prefer a convex mirror as a rear-view mirror in vehicles?
Find the focal length of a convex mirror whose radius of curvature is 32 cm.
A concave mirror produces three times magnified (enlarged) real image of an object placed at 10 cm in front of it. Where is the image located?
A ray of light travelling in air enters obliquely into water. Does the light ray bend towards the normal or away from the normal? Why?
Light enters from air to glass having refractive index 1.50. What is the speed of light in the glass?
Find out, from Table, the medium having highest optical density. Also find the medium with lowest optical density.
You are given kerosene, turpentine and water. In which of these does the light travel fastest?
The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What is the meaning of this statement?
Define 1 dioptre of power of a lens.
A convex lens forms a real and inverted image of a needle at a distance of 50 cm from it. Where is the needle placed in front of the convex lens if the image is equal to the size of the object?
Find the power of a concave lens of focal length 2 m.
We wish to obtain an erect image of an object, using a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. What should be the range of distance of the object from the mirror?
Name the type of mirror used in the following situations. (a) Headlights of a car. (b) Side/rear-view mirror of a vehicle. (c) Solar furnace.
One-half of a convex lens is covered with a black paper. Will this lens produce a complete image of the object?
An object 5 cm in length is held 25 cm away from a converging lens of focal length 10 cm. What is the position, size and the nature of the image formed.
A concave lens of focal length 15 cm forms an image 10 cm from the lens. How far is the object placed from the lens?
An object is placed at a distance of 10 cm from a convex mirror of focal length 15 cm. Find the position and nature of the image.
The magnification produced by a plane mirror is +1. What does this mean?
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.
An object of size 7.0 cm is placed at 27 cm in front of a concave mirror of focal length 18 cm. At what distance from the mirror should a screen be placed, so that a sharp focussed image can be obtained?
Find the focal length of a lens of power – 2.0 D. What type of lens is this?
A doctor has prescribed a corrective lens of power +1.5 D. Find the focal length of the lens. Is the prescribed lens diverging or converging?