Light: Shadows and Reflections Part 2: MCQs (Q26–Q50)
Part 2 — Reflection: Laws & Types (Questions 26–50)
26. Which statement defines the law of reflection?
A. Incident ray, reflected ray and normal lie in different planes.
B. Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection; and all three lie in same plane. Correct answer: B
C. Refraction causes reflection.
D. Reflection changes wavelength.
Explanations:
A) Laws state they lie in same plane — incorrect.
B) Correct — both parts of the law of reflection.
C/D) Incorrect.
27. In reflection from a plane mirror, the image formed is:
A. Real and inverted.
B. Virtual, laterally inverted and same size — Correct answer: B
C. Magnified and real.
D. Always absent.
Explanations:
A) Plane mirrors do not form real inverted images — incorrect.
B) Correct — plane mirrors form virtual images behind mirror, same size as object and laterally inverted.
C/D) Incorrect.
28. Lateral inversion means:
A. Top becomes bottom.
B. Left and right are interchanged in the mirror image. — Correct answer: B
C. Front and back exchange.
D. Object vanishes.
Explanations:
A) That is vertical inversion — incorrect.
B) Correct — lateral (left-right) reversal in mirror images.
C/D) Incorrect.
29. The distance of the image from a plane mirror is:
A. Half the object distance.
B. Equal to the object distance (measured along normal). — Correct answer: B
C. Double the object distance.
D. Zero always.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — for plane mirrors image distance = object distance (virtual, behind mirror).
30. A plane mirror cannot form which kind of image?
A. Virtual and erect.
B. Real and inverted. Correct answer: B
C. Same size as object.
D. Behind the mirror.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Plane mirrors do form virtual, erect images same size behind the mirror — incorrect choices.
B) Correct — plane mirrors cannot form real inverted images (need lenses or curved mirrors).
31. If you stand 2 m in front of a plane mirror, where does your virtual image appear?
A. 1 m behind the mirror.
B. 2 m behind the mirror. — Correct answer: B
C. 4 m behind the mirror.
D. No image appears.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — image distance equals object distance.
32. Which surface gives regular reflection?
A. A rough wooden board.
B. A polished silvered surface of a mirror. — Correct answer: B
C. A frosted glass.
D. Opaque cloth.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Rough or matte surfaces give diffuse reflection — incorrect.
B) Correct — smooth polished surfaces cause regular reflection.
33. When light reflects from a plane mirror, the image:
A. Is formed in front of the mirror in same medium.
B. Appears behind the mirror at same distance as object. — Correct answer: B
C. Is always magnified.
D. Is real so can be projected on a screen placed behind the mirror.
Explanations:
A) Image is virtual behind mirror, not in front — incorrect.
B) Correct — typical plane mirror image.
C/D) Incorrect.
34. Two plane mirrors are placed at right angles. An object placed in front will produce:
A. Only one image.
B. Three images (depending on geometry) — Correct answer: B
C. No images.
D. An image that is always real.
Explanations:
A) Multiple reflections produce more than one image — incorrect.
B) Correct — two mirrors at 90° produce three images (two single reflections + one double reflection).
C/D) Incorrect.
35. Which ray diagram principle is used to locate image in plane mirror?
A. Intersection of two refracted rays.
B. Intersection of two backward-produced reflected rays (appear to come from behind mirror). — Correct answer: B
C. Intersection of transmitted rays only.
D. Use of convex lens formula.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Not correct for plane mirror image location.
B) Correct — extend reflected rays backward to find virtual image.
36. If you look at yourself in a plane mirror and then move to the left, your image appears to:
A. Move right.
B. Also move left (relative apparent motion matches you). — Correct answer: B
C. Vanish.
D. Turn upside down.
Explanations:
A) Mirror reverses left-right but apparent lateral motion of image matches your motion — incorrect.
B) Correct — if you move left, image also shifts left (maintaining same distance).
C/D) Incorrect.
37. A concave mirror can form which type of image (not plane mirror)?
A. Only virtual images.
B. Real and inverted or virtual and erect depending on object position. — Correct answer: B
C. Only laterally inverted images.
D. No image at all.
Explanations:
A) Concave mirrors can produce both kinds — incorrect.
B) Correct — object beyond focal point → real inverted; close → virtual erect.
C/D) Incorrect.
38. A plane mirror of height h can show full height of a person of height H if placed correctly. The minimum mirror height required is:
A. H (full height).
B. H/2 — Correct answer: B
C. 2H.
D. 0.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — a plane mirror of half your height suffices when placed appropriately (basic ray geometry).
39. Which property is NOT true for image by plane mirror?
A. Virtual.
B. Same size as object.
C. Real and can be cast on screen. — Correct answer: C
D. Laterally inverted.
Explanations:
A/B/D) True properties — incorrect choices.
C) Correct — plane mirror images are virtual, cannot be projected on a screen.
40. The law of reflection is a consequence of:
A. Conservation of energy only.
B. Wavefront geometry and symmetry of incidence/reflection. — Correct answer: B
C. Gravity.
D. Color of light.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Not directly defining law of reflection.
B) Correct — wave optics explanation (Huygens) and geometry give law.
41. Which device uses multiple reflections between plane mirrors to create repeating patterns?
A. Telescope.
B. Kaleidoscope. — Correct answer: B
C. Microscope.
D. Pinhole camera.
Explanations:
A/C) Incorrect — use lenses and different optics.
B) Correct — kaleidoscope has angled mirrors creating symmetrical patterns.
D) Pinhole camera uses straight-line transmission.
42. A mirror that produces virtual enlarged images for makeup is:
A. Plane mirror.
B. Concave mirror (when object is within focal length). — Correct answer: B
C. Convex mirror always.
D. No mirror does this.
Explanations:
A) Plane gives same size, not magnified — incorrect.
B) Correct — concave mirror forms virtual magnified image when object is between mirror and focal point.
C) Convex mirrors give diminished virtual images — incorrect.
D) Incorrect.
43. A convex mirror always forms:
A. Real inverted image.
B. Virtual, erect and diminished image. — Correct answer: B
C. Image bigger than object.
D. No image at all.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — convex mirrors diverge rays, create virtual reduced images.
44. Which surface would best give a regular reflected beam from a torch?
A. A rough wall.
B. A polished plane mirror. — Correct answer: B
C. Frosted glass.
D. Tissue paper.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Diffuse scattering or absorption — incorrect.
B) Correct — polished mirror produces a directional reflected beam.
45. When light reflects from a plane mirror, the apparent distance of the image behind mirror equals:
A. Object distance measured from mirror. Correct answer: A
B. Twice the object distance.
C. Half the object distance.
D. Zero.
Explanations:
A) Correct — image distance equals object distance for plane mirror.
B/C/D) Incorrect.
46. Which mirror is preferred for use as a rear-view mirror in vehicles (wider field of view)?
A. Plane mirror.
B. Concave mirror.
C. Convex mirror. — Correct answer: C
D. No mirror.
Explanations:
A/B) Plane/concave have limited or image-distorting properties — not ideal.
C) Correct — convex mirror gives diminished but wider field of view for safety.
D) Incorrect.
47. If the angle of incidence is 0° (ray along normal), then the angle of reflection is:
A. 180°.
B. 0°. — Correct answer: B
C. 90°.
D. Undefined.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — ray along normal reflects back on itself (no deviation).
48. Which statement correctly contrasts regular and diffuse reflection?
A. Both produce clear images.
B. Regular reflection from smooth surfaces forms images; diffuse from rough surfaces scatters light and does not form images. — Correct answer: B
C. Diffuse reflection gives a single reflected ray.
D. Regular reflection occurs from rough surfaces.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect descriptions.
B) Correct.
49. Multiple reflections between two parallel plane mirrors produce:
A. Only one image.
B. An infinite series of images. — Correct answer: B
C. No reflections.
D. Images only if mirrors are curved.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Incorrect.
B) Correct — infinite reflections create series of images diminishing in brightness.
50. Which phenomenon explains why you can see yourself in a mirror but not the backside of a book placed in front of you?
A. Refraction.
B. Reflection forming virtual image behind mirror. — Correct answer: B
C. Dispersion.
D. Absorption.
Explanations:
A/C/D) Not applicable to mirror imaging.
B) Correct — reflected rays enter your eye appearing to come from behind mirror.