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Where should the object be placed around the concave mirror to ensure that the size of the image is the same as the size of the object?
Between focus F and centre of curvature C
At focus F
At C, centre of curvature
Between focus F and pole P
At C, centre of curvature
For a concave mirror, an image of the same size as the object is formed only when the object is placed at the centre of curvature (C). At this position, the image is real, inverted, and located at the same point (C).
For a concave mirror, an image of the same size as the object is formed only when the object is placed at the centre of curvature (C). At this position, the image is real, inverted, and located at the same point (C).
Think of a balance scale where placing the object at the fulcrum point (C) creates a perfectly mirrored, same-sized reflection on the other side.
Remember the sequence 'B-C-F': Beyond C (diminished), at C (same size), between C and F (magnified).
m=hoтАЛhiтАЛтАЛ=тИТuvтАЛ тАФ where m is magnification, hiтАЛ is image height, hoтАЛ is object height, v is image distance, and u is object distance.
f1тАЛ=v1тАЛ+u1тАЛ тАФ the mirror formula relating focal length (f), image distance (v), and object distance (u).
When an object is placed at C, a light ray passing parallel to the principal axis passes through the focus (F) after reflection, and a second ray passing through the focus (F) emerges parallel to the principal axis. The intersection of these two reflected rays occurs exactly at C, resulting in an image with magnification (m) of тИТ1. The negative sign indicates the image is inverted, and the magnitude of 1 indicates the size is equal to that of the object.
Image at C is real and inverted.
The distance of the object from the pole is 2f (equal to the radius of curvature R).
Magnification is exactly тИТ1 at this position.
Provides a clear method for determining the focal length of a concave mirror by finding the point where image size equals object size.
Used in laboratory experiments to verify focal length.
Used in optical arrangements where 1:1 image projection is required.
At other positions: beyond C gives a diminished image, and between C and F gives a magnified image.
Option A is incorrect because between F and C results in an enlarged image. Option B is incorrect as an object at the focus results in the image being formed at infinity. Option D is incorrect as placing an object between F and P creates a virtual, magnified, and erect image.
C is correct тАФ Placing the object at the centre of curvature (C) of a concave mirror produces a real, inverted image of the same size as the object.
Remember that for all spherical mirrors and lenses, any special ray passing through the centre of curvature (C) reflects along the same path, confirming the location of the image.