A small object is placed between the pole and the principal focus of a concave mirror. What will be the nature, position and relative size of the image formed?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:10 · grounding rag
Model Answer
When a small object is placed between the pole (P) and the principal focus (F) of a concave mirror:
- Nature of image: Virtual and erect
- Position of image: Behind the mirror (same side as the object)
- Relative size: Enlarged (larger than the object)
The reflected rays diverge and do not actually meet in front of the mirror; they appear to meet behind it, forming a virtual image that cannot be caught on a screen.
Source: Chapter 9, Table 9.1 — Image formation by a concave mirror
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Explanation
- CBSE examiners look for all three aspects: nature (virtual/erect), position (behind the mirror), and size (enlarged) — one mark each.
- The key fact from Table 9.1: object "Between P and F" → image is behind the mirror, enlarged, virtual and erect.
- Mentioning that the image cannot be obtained on a screen is a good add-on but not strictly required for full marks.
- Do not confuse this with a convex lens or convex mirror — a concave mirror between P and F is the only mirror case giving a virtual, enlarged image.