The nature of the image formed by a plane mirror is

Options

A. virtual and erect
B. of the same size as the object
C. laterally inverted
D. all the above are correct

Answer

To determine the nature of the image formed by a plane mirror, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Plane Mirror**:
- A plane mirror is a flat reflective surface that reflects light according to the law of reflection, where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

**Hint**: Remember that a plane mirror reflects light in a straightforward manner, without any distortion.

2. **Image Formation**:
- When an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, the light rays from the object reflect off the mirror. The image appears to be behind the mirror.

**Hint**: Visualize how light rays travel from the object to the mirror and back to your eyes.

3. **Characteristics of the Image**:
- **Virtual Image**: The image formed by a plane mirror cannot be projected on a screen because the light rays do not actually converge; they appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror. Hence, it is called a virtual image.

**Hint**: A virtual image is one that cannot be captured on a screen; it appears to be located behind the mirror.

4. **Erect Image**:
- The image formed is upright (erect) relative to the object. This means that the orientation of the image is the same as that of the object.

**Hint**: Think about how you see your reflection in the mirror; it looks the same way up as you do.

5. **Same Size as the Object**:
- The size of the image is equal to the size of the object. The magnification in a plane mirror is 1, meaning the image is the same size as the object.

**Hint**: Consider how your reflection in the mirror is the same height as you are.

6. **Lateral Inversion**:
- The image is laterally inverted, meaning that the left and right sides are swapped. For example, if you raise your right hand, the image in the mirror will show the left hand raised.

**Hint**: Pay attention to how your movements appear reversed in the mirror.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the characteristics discussed, we conclude that the nature of the image formed by a plane mirror is:
- Virtual
- Erect
- Same size as the object
- Laterally inverted

Therefore, all the statements about the image formed by a plane mirror are correct.

### Final Answer:
The nature of the image formed by a plane mirror is **virtual, erect, of the same size as the object, and laterally inverted**.