Question

describe how light reflecting from a mirror can produce an image. In particular, explain how mirrors can produce images that are larger or smaller than life size, as well as upright or inverted.

Answer 1

A larger image is produced when
`d_i` >
`d_o`

A smaller image is produced when
`d_i` <
`d_o`

An upright image is produced when m is positive

An upright image is produced when m is negative

Step-by-step explanation:

The mirror equation is given as follows;

`(1)/(f) = (1)/(d_i) + (1)/(d_o)`

`m =-(d_i)/(d_o) = (h_i)/(h_o)`

For concave mirrors, f = focal length

`d_i` = Image distance from the mirror (-ve
`d_i` = Image is behind the mirror +ve
`d_i` = Image is in front of the mirror)

`d_o` = Object distance from the mirror (-ve
`d_o` = Object is behind the mirror +ve
`d_o` = Object is in front of the mirror)

m = Magnification (-ve m = Inverted image +ve m = upright image)

`h_i` = Image height

`h_o` = Object height

f = Focal length of the mirror

To produce a larger image
`d_i` >
`d_o`

To produce a smaller image
`d_i` <
`d_o`

To produce an upright image, m should be positive hence,
`d_i` will be negative or the image will appear behind the mirror

To produce an inverted image, m should be negative hence,
`d_i` will be positive or the image will form in front of the mirror.