The Magnification Produced by a Plane Mirror is +1. What does this mean?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The magnification produced by a plane mirror is +1. It means that both the image distance and object distance are equal.

The ratio of the image’s size to the object’s size, or the “magnification,” created by a mirror is defined as follows: m = h_i/h₀
A positive magnification created by a mirror indicates a virtual picture, while a negative magnification produced by a mirror indicates a genuine image.
A planar mirror produces a magnification that is +1, that is +1 = h_i/h₀→ h₀ = h_i
As a result, the image size created matches the object size behind the mirror perfectly.
Positive magnification denotes a virtual and upright image.
It is known that, magnification m = -v/u i.e., +1 = -v/u → -u = v
This indicates that the distance of image and the distance of object are equal.

Table of content

A precision magnifier performs the same function as a standard magnification but contains additional components that help to remove aberrations and provide sharper images.
A water droplet serves as a straightforward magnifier, enlarging the object behind it. The effect of surface tension causes the water to condense into spherical droplets. A spherical shape is distorted but still capable of generating an image when the droplet comes into contact with an object.

Summary:-

A plane mirror produces a +1 magnification. It indicates that the object distance and picture distance are same.

Related Questions:-