A real object is moving toward a fixed spherical mirror. The image

Options

A. must move away from the mirro
B. may move away from the mirror
C. may move toward the mirro if the mirror is concave
D. must move toward the mirror if the mirror is convex

Explanation

To solve the problem of how the image behaves as a real object moves toward a fixed spherical mirror, we need to consider the nature of the mirror (concave or convex) and the relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Type of Mirror**:
- Determine whether the mirror is concave or convex. This will dictate the behavior of the image as the object approaches the mirror.

2. **Understanding Object Distance (u)**:
- The object distance (u) is the distance from the object to the mirror. As the object moves closer to the mirror, the value of u decreases (it becomes more negative in the sign convention).

3. **For a Concave Mirror**:
- If the object is beyond the focal point (f), the image is real and inverted. As the object approaches the mirror (u decreases), the image moves away from the mirror.
- If the object distance becomes less than the focal length (u < f), the image becomes virtual, upright, and appears to move toward the mirror.

4. **For a Convex Mirror**:
- Regardless of the object distance, the image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, upright, and located behind the mirror. As the object approaches the mirror, the image moves from the focus toward the pole of the mirror.

5. **Conclusion**:
- For a concave mirror, the image will move away from the mirror if the object is beyond the focal point, and will move toward the mirror if the object is within the focal point.
- For a convex mirror, the image will always move toward the mirror as the object approaches.

### Final Answer:
- If the mirror is concave, the image may move away or toward the mirror depending on the object's distance relative to the focal length. If the mirror is convex, the image will always move toward the mirror.