Learning objective

Describe how an optical image is formed by a plane mirror and clarify why this image is considered virtual.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceWavesSupplement content

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Quick explanation

This point belongs to Light, especially Light outcomes.
You need to be able to describe how an optical image is formed by a plane mirror and clarify why this image is considered virtual.
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

This objective helps connect Light outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Light.

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Practice Questions7 linked questions

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Paper 4Theory (Extended)4 marks

Description

When you look into a plane mirror, you see your reflection. This reflection is an optical image created by the mirror.

a
Describe how an optical image is formed by a plane mirror and explain why this image is considered virtual.
Your answer
Aim for approximately 4 distinct marking points.
[4]

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