Q1. [2] medium thorough-understanding
In a ray diagram for a concave mirror, two reflected rays appear to diverge (they do not meet in front of the mirror). What does this tell you about the nature of the image, and how would you locate it on the diagram?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:13 · grounding rag
Model Answer
When two reflected rays from a concave mirror diverge (do not actually meet in front of the mirror), the image formed is virtual and erect. This happens when the object is placed between the pole (P) and the principal focus (F).
To locate the image, extend the diverging reflected rays behind the mirror using dotted lines. The point where these extended lines meet is the position of the virtual image.
Source: Chapter 9, Section 9.2.2 & Table 9.1
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Explanation
- The key concept is: real images are formed by actual intersection of reflected rays (in front of mirror); virtual images are formed by apparent intersection of extended rays (behind mirror).
- CBSE examiners expect you to state: (1) nature of image = virtual and erect, and (2) method of locating it = extend rays behind mirror with dotted lines.
- Refer to Table 9.1: object between P and F → image is behind mirror, enlarged, virtual and erect.