Question

The sign of the magnification produced by a concave mirror is?

• A. positive when the image is virtual and negative when the image is real
• B. always positive
• C. positive when the image is real and negative when the image is virtual
• D. always negative

Answer 1

Answer:

A. positive when the image is virtual and negative when the image is real

• The magnification produced by a concave mirror is positive when the image is virtual and negative when the image is real.

• The sign of magnification produced by a concave mirror directly indicates the nature of the image formed.

• By convention, positive magnification signifies that the image is virtual and erect with respect to the object.

• This occurs when the object is placed between the pole (P) and the principal focus (F) of the concave mirror, causing the reflected rays to diverge and appear to originate from behind the mirror.

• Conversely, negative magnification indicates that the image is real and inverted.