A point object is placed at a distance of 60 cm from a convex lens of focal length 30 cm. If a plane mirror were put perpendicular to the principal axis of the lens and at a distance of 40 cm from it, the final image would be formed at a distance of - [figure]
- 20 cm from the plane mirror, it would be a virtual image.
- 20 cm from the lens, it would be a real image.
- 30 cm from the lens, it would be a real image.
- 30 cm from the plane mirror, it would be a virtual image.
Answer
(1) 20 cm from the plane mirror, it would be a virtual image.
Solution
Step 1 (refraction at the lens): u = -60 cm, f = +30 cm
1v = 1f + 1u = 130 - 160 = 160
v = 60 cm, i.e. 20 cm behind the plane mirror.
Step 2 (reflection at the plane mirror): this image acts as a virtual object 20 cm behind the mirror, so the mirror forms its image 20 cm in front of the mirror, i.e. 40 - 20 = 20 cm from the lens.
Step 3 (refraction again at the lens, light now travelling from right to left): object distance = 20 cm (< f)
1v = 130 - 120 = - 160
v = -60 cm, i.e. 60 cm from the lens on the same side as this object (towards the mirror).
The final image is virtual and lies 60 - 40 = 20 cm from the plane mirror (behind it).
Answer: (1)