Magnification Greater than 1

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 95 views

**What Type of Image is Formed by a Mirror if $m=5.2$?**

Understanding Mirror Images

When light reflects off a mirror, it forms an image of the object in front of it. The type of image formed depends on the type of mirror and its properties. In this article, we will explore the concept of mirror images and determine the type of image formed by a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ .

What is Magnification?

Magnification, denoted by the symbol $m$ , is a measure of how much larger or smaller an image is compared to the object. It is calculated using the formula:

m = \frac{h_i}{h_o}

where $h_i$ is the height of the image and $h_o$ is the height of the object.

Types of Mirrors

There are two main types of mirrors: concave and convex.

Concave Mirror: A concave mirror is a mirror that is curved inward. It is also known as a converging mirror because it converges light rays to a single point.
Convex Mirror: A convex mirror is a mirror that is curved outward. It is also known as a diverging mirror because it diverges light rays away from a single point.

Image Formation by a Concave Mirror

A concave mirror can form three types of images: real, virtual, and magnified.

Real Image: A real image is an image that is formed by converging light rays. It is a inverted image that is located behind the mirror.
Virtual Image: A virtual image is an image that is formed by diverging light rays. It is an upright image that is located in front of the mirror.
Magnified Image: A magnified image is an image that is larger than the object. It is formed by a concave mirror when the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror.

Image Formation by a Convex Mirror

A convex mirror can only form one type of image: a virtual and reduced image.

Virtual Image: A virtual image is an image that is formed by diverging light rays. It is an upright image that is located in front of the mirror.
Reduced Image: A reduced image is an image that is smaller than the object. It is formed by a convex mirror when the object is placed in front of the mirror.

Determining the Type of Image Formed by a Mirror with $m=5.2$

Given that the magnification of the mirror is $m=5.2$ , we can determine the type of image formed by the mirror.

Magnification Greater than 1: If the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object. In this case, the magnification is 5.2, which is greater than 1. Therefore, the image formed by the mirror is larger than the object.
Image Location: Since the magnification is greater than 1, the image is formed behind the mirror. Therefore, the image is located behind the mirror.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ forms an image that is larger than the object and is located behind the mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is magnification in the context of mirrors?

A: Magnification is a measure of how much larger or smaller an image is compared to the object. It is calculated using the formula: $m = \frac{h_i}{h_o}$

Q: What are the two main types of mirrors?

A: The two main types of mirrors are concave and convex.

Q: What type of image is formed by a concave mirror?

A: A concave mirror can form three types of images: real, virtual, and magnified.

Q: What type of image is formed by a convex mirror?

A: A convex mirror can only form one type of image: a virtual and reduced image.

Q: How do you determine the type of image formed by a mirror with a given magnification?

A: To determine the type of image formed by a mirror with a given magnification, you need to compare the magnification to 1. If the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object. If the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object.

Q: Where is the image located when the magnification is greater than 1?

A: When the magnification is greater than 1, the image is located behind the mirror.

Q: Where is the image located when the magnification is less than 1?

A: When the magnification is less than 1, the image is located in front of the mirror.

Q: What is the formula for calculating magnification?

A: The formula for calculating magnification is: $m = \frac{h_i}{h_o}$

Q: What is the significance of the focal point in image formation by a concave mirror?

A: The focal point is the point where light rays converge to form a real image. If the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, a magnified image is formed.

Q: What is the significance of the focal point in image formation by a convex mirror?

A: The focal point is not relevant in image formation by a convex mirror. A convex mirror can only form a virtual and reduced image.

Q: Can a convex mirror form a real image?

A: No, a convex mirror cannot form a real image. It can only form a virtual and reduced image.

Q: Can a concave mirror form a virtual image?

A: Yes, a concave mirror can form a virtual image. It is an upright image that is located in front of the mirror.

Q: Can a convex mirror form a magnified image?

A: No, a convex mirror cannot form a magnified image. It can only form a virtual and reduced image.

Q: Can a concave mirror form a reduced image?

A: Yes, a concave mirror can form a reduced image. It is a smaller image that is located in front of the mirror.

Q: What is the relationship between magnification and image size?

A: The magnification is directly proportional to the image size. If the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object. If the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object.

Q: What is the relationship between magnification and image location?

A: The magnification is inversely proportional to the image location. If the magnification is greater than 1, the image is located behind the mirror. If the magnification is less than 1, the image is located in front of the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ form a real image?

A: Yes, a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ can form a real image. Since the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object and is located behind the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ form a real image?

A: No, a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ cannot form a real image. Since the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object and is located in front of the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ form a virtual image?

A: No, a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ cannot form a virtual image. Since the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object and is located behind the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ form a virtual image?

A: Yes, a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ can form a virtual image. Since the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object and is located in front of the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ form a magnified image?

A: Yes, a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ can form a magnified image. Since the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object and is located behind the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ form a magnified image?

A: No, a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ cannot form a magnified image. Since the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object and is located in front of the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ form a reduced image?

A: No, a mirror with a magnification of $m=5.2$ cannot form a reduced image. Since the magnification is greater than 1, the image is larger than the object and is located behind the mirror.

Q: Can a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ form a reduced image?

A: Yes, a mirror with a magnification of $m=0.5$ can form a reduced image. Since the magnification is less than 1, the image is smaller than the object and is located in front of the mirror.

Q: What is the significance of the focal point in image formation by a mirror?

A: The focal point is the point where light rays converge to form a real image.