Question

What is the difference between the images formed by a large mirror and a small mirror?

Answer 1

Here, we have to understand the properties of a mirror. We also need to know the type of image formed by a mirror when an object is placed in front of it. We understand what will be the changes in the image if the mirror is of different size and additionally, we will also understand what difference it will make if the object is placed at different distances from the mirror.

Complete step by step solution:
As we know, a plane mirror forms an image of the same size as that of the object. The image is however laterally inverted.

Farther is the distance of the object from the mirror, smaller is the image formed.

Since, the large mirror occupies more space, it covers a larger part of the surrounding. A smaller mirror might not be able to cover the entire object also.

If the object is placed at the same distance from the mirror, the size of the image will be the same in both larger and smaller mirrors. The only difference will be that the smaller mirror will cover a smaller portion of the surrounding.

Note:
The difference between a larger and smaller mirror lies only in the portion of surrounding covered in the image formed. A plane mirror forms an image which appears to be behind the mirror as far as the object in front of it. The image formed by the mirror is always virtual, upright and of the same shape and size as that of the object it is reflecting. The image is laterally inverted means the left side appears to be on the right side and vice versa.