Unit: optics
Year: 1993 Question#: 89
Question: The image of a shoplifter in a department store is viewed in a convex (diverging) mirror. The image is
(1 ) real and smaller than the shoplifter
(2 ) real and larger than the shoplifter
(3 ) virtual and smaller than the shoplifter
(4 ) virtual and larger than the shoplifter
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: JM
[ Return to question menu ]
Answer 1
real and smaller than the shoplifter
incorrect
As shown in the diagram (below), the image is virtual and smaller than the shoplifter.
return to top
Answer 2
real and larger than the shoplifter
incorrect
drawing the diagram is really the key. See below. return to top
Answer 3
virtual and smaller than the shoplifter
correct
Bingo, it's the image that's shown in the diagram. return to top
Answer 4
virtual and larger than the shoplifter
INCORRECT
For a convex mirror, the object distance doesn't really matter. The image will always be virtual and smaller than the object. return to top
What's this question really asking?
The question is really asking how do light rays diverge in a convex mirror.
return to top
