Chapter 17, Problem 34A

To determine

The properties of the plane mirror.

Answer to Problem 34A

The image produced by the plane mirror is located at the same distance as that of the object but it behind the mirror. Also, the image is of the same size as that of the object.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

For the plane mirror,

  $d_i=-d_o$

Where,

  $\begin{array}{l}{d}_i=\text{ image distance}\\ d_o=\text{ object distance}\end{array}$

And,

  $h_i=h_o$

Where,

  $\begin{array}{l}{h}_i=\text{ image height}\\ h_o=\text{ object height}\end{array}$

As mentioned in above formulas, the image produced by the plane mirror lies at the same distance as that of the object, but it is behind the mirror. Also, the image size is equal to the object size in case of plane mirror.

Conclusion:

Hence, a plane mirror always forms a virtual image of the object of the same size as that of the object and at the same distance as that of the object.