Question

Name the type of mirror used as a shaving mirror.

• A. Concave mirror
• B. convex mirror
• C. Plane mirror
• D. None of above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Concave mirror

Explanation for Correct Option

Concave mirror:

1. A concave mirror is used for shaving mirrors because when the concave mirror is placed very close to the object, a magnified and virtual image is obtained.
2. Concave mirrors produce images which are both genuine and reversed.
3. When an object is put at infinity or beyond the curvature’s center of curvature, the picture is smaller than the object.
4. The image is the same size if the object is positioned in the center of the curve.
5. If the object is positioned between the center of curvature and the focus, the picture will be larger than the object.
6. The image generated by the concave mirror is virtual, erect, and enlarged in particular instances, such as when the object is placed between the pole and the focus.

Explanation for Incorrect Options

Convex mirror:

1. We cannot use a convex mirror because it will invert the image.
2. In convex mirrors, the image formed is smaller than the actual object thus it can not be used for shaving.
3. Hence this option is incorrect.

Plane mirror:

1. A plane mirror’s image is always imaginary, upright, and the same size as the item it reflects.
2. The image and object are at the same distance from a flat mirror, the image size is the same as the object size, and the image is upright.
3. But this image is not magnified like a concave mirror.
4. Hence this option is incorrect.

Option D is absurd.

Thus, we use the concave mirror as a shaving mirror.

Hence, the correct option is option A.