Which device forms an image that appears closer than it is?

Which device forms an image that appears closer than it is?

• A. Concave lens
• B. Plane mirror
• C. Concave mirror
• D. Convex lens

Answer: (C)

When an object sits between the focal point and a concave mirror, the light reflecting off the surface diverges. If you trace those rays backward, they appear to come from a point in front of the mirror, creating a virtual, erect, magnified image. Because this image is virtual and enlarged, it often looks as if it is nearer to you than the actual object is, which matches the idea of an image that appears closer than it is. A plane mirror would not do this because its image is always the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. A concave lens would produce a virtual image that is not enlarged, and a convex lens (not the device in question) can also produce a magnified image, but the scenario described points to the concave mirror.

When an object sits between the focal point and a concave mirror, the light reflecting off the surface diverges. If you trace those rays backward, they appear to come from a point in front of the mirror, creating a virtual, erect, magnified image. Because this image is virtual and enlarged, it often looks as if it is nearer to you than the actual object is, which matches the idea of an image that appears closer than it is. A plane mirror would not do this because its image is always the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. A concave lens would produce a virtual image that is not enlarged, and a convex lens (not the device in question) can also produce a magnified image, but the scenario described points to the concave mirror.