Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

The face must be placed between the pole (P) and the principal focus (F) of the concave mirror, i.e., the object distance is less than the focal length.

Ray diagram behaviour: A ray parallel to the principal axis reflects through F, and a ray directed towards C reflects back along the same path. When the object is between P and F, these two reflected rays diverge after reflection. They do not actually meet in front of the mirror; instead, they appear to meet behind the mirror when extended.

Nature and position of image: The image formed is virtual, erect, and magnified, located behind the mirror. This is why a concave mirror is used as a shaving mirror — it produces an enlarged image of the face.

Source: Chapter 9, Section 9.2.2 (Image formation by Concave Mirror) & Uses of concave mirrors

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• The key fact examiners expect: object must be between P and F (not beyond F).
• Mention that reflected rays diverge → image is virtual (cannot be caught on screen).
• Three image properties must all appear: virtual, erect, magnified — missing any one costs a mark.
• Linking back to the shaving mirror use ties the answer to the question context and shows understanding.