What is the image formed by a plane mirror?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

What is the image formed by a plane mirror? This question tests a core idea from school-level and competitive-examination physics. The most useful approach is to identify the physical quantity, phenomenon, law, or device named in the stem and connect it with its standard definition. Here, the relevant answer is “Virtual and erect.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. Physics explains measurable natural events through quantities, units, observations, mathematical relations, and experimentally verified laws. Then check dimensions and limiting cases wherever a numerical relation is involved.

AReal and inverted

BVirtual and inverted

CReal and erect

DVirtual and erect

Correct Answer: Virtual and erectYour Answer: D

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Virtual and erect. Option-wise review: Virtual and erect is correct under the condition given in the stem. Real and inverted is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Virtual and inverted is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Real and erect is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Identify the chapter, recall the exact definition or equation, check the unit or direction if applicable, and then eliminate choices that contradict it. Therefore, option D, Virtual and erect, is factually and logically consistent with the question. A plane mirror forms a virtual erect and laterally inverted image of the same size as the object.

Important Notes

Learn each concept as a five-part card: definition; common symbol; SI unit; principal equation; and one real-life application. This works for mechanics, heat, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Eliminate Real and inverted, Virtual and inverted, Real and erect here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option D.
During final revision, practise stating why every wrong option is wrong. This converts recognition into understanding and reduces guesswork.
Exam memory point: connect Virtual and erect directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.Image distance = Object distance

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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