Images formed by a convex mirror are always

Analyze the question: It asks which property is always true of images formed by a convex (diverging) mirror, wherever the object is placed.

Concept: A convex mirror curves outward. Parallel rays striking it diverge after reflection, so they never actually meet in front of the mirror. When the reflected rays are traced backward, they appear to come from a point behind the mirror. This makes the image virtual.

Properties of images in a convex mirror (for any object position):

• Virtual, because the reflected rays only appear to meet
• Erect (upright)
• Diminished (smaller than the object)
• Located behind the mirror, between the pole and the focus

Check each option:

• A. Magnified: Wrong. The image is always diminished.
• B. Behind the mirror: Correct. The image is always virtual and formed behind the mirror.
• C. Real: Wrong. Real images form where rays actually meet, and a convex mirror cannot do this.
• D. Inverted: Wrong. The image is always erect.

Check with the mirror formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v. For a convex mirror, f is negative (virtual focus) under the real-is-positive convention. For any real object, u is positive, so 1/v = 1/f − 1/u is always negative. This means v is always negative, so the image is always behind the mirror and virtual.

Answer: B. behind the mirror

Exam tip: Remember that a convex mirror gives "VED" images: Virtual, Erect, Diminished. This is why convex mirrors are used as vehicle side mirrors and shop security mirrors. They give a wide field of view. If you see "always" in a convex mirror question, think "virtual, behind the mirror."