A spherical mirror forms an erect and diminished image. Identify the correct statement(s) about the spherical mirror. (A) The mirror is concave. (B) The mirror forms a virtual image. (C) The mirror has positive focal length.

Explanation

Solution: When a spherical mirror forms an erect and diminished image, it is typically a convex mirror. A convex mirror always forms a virtual, erect, and diminished image regardless of the position of the object. Let’s analyze each statement: Statement A: The mirror is concave. - Incorrect. A concave mirror forms an inverted image when the object is placed beyond the focal point, except when the object is very close to the mirror (within the focal length) where it forms an enlarged virtual image. Statement B: The mirror forms a virtual image. - Correct. A convex mirror always forms a virtual, erect, and diminished image. Statement C: The mirror has positive focal length. - Correct. For a convex mirror, the focal length is considered positive. Correct Statements: (B) The mirror forms a virtual image. and (C) The mirror has positive focal length.