Physics

Light and Mirrors

458 Questions

Light and mirrors questions cover the principles of reflection, image formation, and mirror magnification. Concepts include the properties of plane mirrors, the uses of concave mirrors in solar devices, and the behavior of light rays. These fundamentals are essential general science topics in major competitive examinations.

Plane mirror propertiesConcave mirror applicationsMirror magnification formulaLight reflection lawsImage formation

Light and Mirrors Questions

Multiple choice

The mirror used for car head light is

  1. plane

  2. spherical convex

  3. cylindrical

  4. parabolic concave
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Car headlights use parabolic concave mirrors because they reflect light rays from the bulb placed at the focus into a parallel beam. This creates a strong directional light that illuminates the road ahead effectively. Plane or convex mirrors would scatter light.

Multiple choice

Which of the following changes will take place in an image formed by pinhole camera if the tissue paper screen is moved towards the pinhole?

  1. Image will become bigger in size, less bright and erect.

  2. Image will become bigger in size, less bright and will remain inverted.

  3. Image will become bigger in size, somewhat more bright and will remain inverted.

  4. Image will become smaller in size, somewhat more bright and will remain inverted.

  5. Image will become smaller in size, less bright and will remain inverted.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option. 

Multiple choice

A pinhole camera is a very simple device based on the principle of

  1. reflection of light

  2. refraction of light

  3. rectilinear propagation of light

  4. scattering of light

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct option. A pinhole camera is a very simple device based on the principle of rectilinear propagation of light. It states that light travels in straight lines.

Multiple choice

An air bubble in water will act as a __________.

  1. convex mirror

  2. convex lens

  3. concave mirror

  4. concave lens
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An air bubble in water acts as a concave lens because the refractive index of water is higher than that of air, causing light rays to diverge as they pass through the bubble.

Multiple choice

Which mirror is used in headlight of vehicles?

  1. Concave mirrors

  2. Convex mirrors

  3. Plane mirror

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Concave mirrors are used in vehicle headlights because they can reflect light from a source placed at the focus into a parallel beam. This creates a powerful, directed light path.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is called pole?

  1. The centre of a spherical mirror

  2. The centre of a hollow sphere of glass of which the spherical mirror is a part

  3. The portion of a mirror from which the reflection of light actually takes place

  4. The point on the principal axis where all the rays coming from infinity (parallel rays) after reflection either meet or appear to meet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The pole is defined as the geometric center of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror, located on the principal axis.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is called focus or focal point?

  1. The centre of a spherical mirror

  2. The centre of a hollow sphere of glass of which the spherical mirror is a part

  3. The portion of a mirror from which the reflection of light actually takes place

  4. The point on the principal axis where all the rays coming from infinity (parallel rays) after reflection either meet or appear to meet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The focus (or focal point) is the point on the principal axis where light rays parallel to the axis converge or appear to diverge from after reflection.

Multiple choice

Which of the following mirror has a real principal focus?

  1. Concave mirror

  2. Convex mirror

  3. Plane mirror

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A concave mirror converges light rays to a single point in front of the mirror, which is a real principal focus. Convex and plane mirrors form virtual foci behind the mirror surface.

Multiple choice

Which of the following mirror is used in headlights of a car?

  1. Concave mirror

  2. Convex mirror

  3. Plane mirror

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Concave mirrors are used in car headlights because they reflect light from a source placed at the focus into a powerful parallel beam. This allows for better illumination of the road ahead.

Multiple choice

Which of the following mirror is used in solar furnace?

  1. Concave mirror

  2. Convex mirror

  3. Plane mirror

  4. Parabolic mirror
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

While concave mirrors are often used, a parabolic mirror is the most efficient shape for a solar furnace because it focuses all incoming parallel sunlight to a single point, maximizing heat concentration.

Multiple choice

Which of the following mirror has a virtual principal focus?

  1. Concave mirror

  2. Convex mirror

  3. Plane mirror

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A convex mirror causes light rays to diverge, and the focus is found by extending the reflected rays backward to a point behind the mirror. This point is a virtual principal focus.