A person is standing in front of a plane mirror. Describe the characteristics of the optical image formed by the plane mirror.

Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 3.2 Light · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The image is the same size as the object.
The image is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
The image is virtual and cannot be projected onto a screen.
The image is laterally inverted – left and right are reversed.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘virtual’ to show you know the image cannot be projected.
Mention that the image is laterally inverted to demonstrate understanding of image orientation.
State that the image is the same size and distance to cover all four marks.
Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point is sufficient.

Common mistakes

Saying the image is real instead of virtual.
Confusing lateral inversion with vertical inversion.
Omitting the distance or size equivalence.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

The image is the same size as the object.
The image is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
The image is virtual / cannot be projected onto a screen.
The image is laterally inverted / left and right are reversed.

Key terms in this question

optical image · plane mirror