A convergent beam is incident on a convex mirror. Reflected light

Options

A. may form a real image
B. may form a virtual image
C. must form a real image
D. must form a virtual image

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the behavior of a convergent beam incident on a convex mirror, we will analyze the situation step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Setup**:
- A convergent beam of light consists of rays that are coming together at a point.
- A convex mirror is a spherical mirror that curves outward and diverges light rays that strike its surface.

2. **Incident Light Rays**:
- When the convergent beam is directed towards the convex mirror, the light rays will strike the mirror at different angles.
- Due to the nature of the convex mirror, the reflected rays will diverge.

3. **Reflection from the Convex Mirror**:
- According to the laws of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
- As the light rays hit the convex mirror, they will reflect outward, creating the appearance of diverging rays.

4. **Formation of Images**:
- A real image is formed when light rays converge and can be projected on a screen. However, in the case of a convex mirror, the reflected rays diverge, and thus do not actually meet at a point in front of the mirror.
- A virtual image is formed when the reflected rays appear to originate from a common point behind the mirror. This is the case with a convex mirror, where the diverging rays seem to come from a focal point behind the mirror.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since the convergent beam can lead to situations where the light rays either form a virtual image (as is typical with convex mirrors) or may appear to converge at a point (but do not actually meet), we conclude:
- The reflected light **may form a real image** (in specific cases where the rays are directed appropriately).
- The reflected light **must form a virtual image** (as this is the general behavior of light reflecting off a convex mirror).

### Final Answer:
The correct options are:
- May form a real image
- Must form a virtual image