WAEC Past Questions, Objective & Theory, Study 100% offline, Download app now - 127076
WAEC and NECO CBT App for Mobile Devices - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now

A concave mirror of focal length 20cm produces an erect image that is four times...

Physics
JAMB 2025

A concave mirror of focal length 20cm produces an erect image that is four times the object, the object distance from the mirror is

  • A. less than 20cm
  • B. Between 20cm and30cm
  • C. Between 30cm and 40cm
  • D. Greater than 40cm
Post UTME Past Questions Agent
WAEC Past Questions, Objective & Theory, Study 100% offline, Download app now - 127076
WAEC and NECO CBT App for Mobile Devices - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation

A. Less than 20 cm

For a concave mirror, an erect image is virtual (behind the mirror) and forms when the object is placed between the pole and focus (\( u < f \)).

Magnification:
\(m = +4 \quad (\text{erect, so positive})\)

Using the mirror formula:
\(\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}\)

Given \( f = -20 \, \text{cm} \) (concave), \( u \) is negative.

Since \( m = -\frac{v}{u} \):
\(v = -m u = -(+4)u = -4u\)

Substituting into the mirror formula:
\(\frac{1}{-4u} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{-20}\)

Combining the fractions:
\(\frac{3}{4u} = \frac{1}{-20}\)

Thus, solving for \( u \):
\(3 \cdot -20 = 4u \quad \Rightarrow \quad u = -15 \, \text{cm}\)

Object distance \( |u| = 15 \, \text{cm} < 20 \, \text{cm} \).

Thus, it is less than 20 cm.

OR

A concave mirror only gives an erect, magnified image when the object is placed between the mirror and its focal point. Since the focal length is 20 cm, the object must be closer than 20 cm to the mirror.

There is an explanation video available below.


Report an Error Ask A Question Download App
WAEC Past Questions, Objective & Theory, Study 100% offline, Download app now - 127076
Post-UTME Past Questions - Original materials are available here - Download PDF for your school of choice + 1 year SMS alerts
Post UTME Past Questions Agent

Explanation Video

WAEC and NECO CBT App for Mobile Devices - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now
WAEC and NECO CBT Software for Computers and Laptops - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now
Post-UTME Past Questions - Original materials are available here - Download PDF for your school of choice + 1 year SMS alerts

Contributions ({{ comment_count }})

Please wait...

{{ settings.no_comment_msg ? settings.no_comment_msg : 'There are no comments' }}

Quick Questions

Post your Contribution

Please don't post or ask to join a "Group" or "Whatsapp Group" as a comment. It will be deleted. To join or start a group, please click here

{{ quote.posted_by.display_name }}
{{ settings.form_textarea_description }}
 
WAEC and NECO CBT App for Mobile Devices - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now
WAEC Past Questions, Objective & Theory, Study 100% offline, Download app now - 127076
Post UTME Past Questions Agent
WAEC offline past questions - with all answers and explanations in one app - Download for free
WAEC and NECO CBT Software for Computers and Laptops - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now
Post-UTME Past Questions - Original materials are available here - Download PDF for your school of choice + 1 year SMS alerts
Post UTME Past Questions Agent
WAEC offline past questions - with all answers and explanations in one app - Download for free
Post-UTME Past Questions - Original materials are available here - Download PDF for your school of choice + 1 year SMS alerts
WAEC and NECO CBT App for Mobile Devices - Candidates, Schools, Centres, Resellers - 100% Offline -Download Now