Learning objective

Explain how a vertical plane mirror forms an optical image and describe its characteristics in relation to the object, such as being the same size, equidistant from the mirror, and laterally inverted.

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Exam focus

Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceWavesCore content

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Quick explanation

This point belongs to Light, especially Light outcomes.
You need to be able to explain how a vertical plane mirror forms an optical image and describe its characteristics in relation to the object, such as being the same size, equidistant from the mirror, and laterally inverted.
The key ideas to know are Describe and Explain.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplain

Why it matters

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Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks

Description

When an object is placed in front of a vertical plane mirror, an image is formed with specific characteristics.

a
Describe the characteristics of the image formed by a vertical plane mirror.
Your answer
Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.
[2]

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