What does negative magnification indicate? The image is smaller than the object: An image not formed_ The image is inverted: The image is larger than the object: Submit Request Answer
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: The image is inverted
Explanation:
Magnification refers to how much larger or smaller an image appears compared to the actual object. It is given by the formula:M=Image HeightObject Height=−vuM = \frac{\text{Image Height}}{\text{Object Height}} = -\frac{v}{u}M=Object HeightImage Height=−uv
Where:
- MMM is magnification
- vvv is the image distance (from the lens or mirror)
- uuu is the object distance
The sign of the magnification tells us about the orientation of the image:
- A positive magnification means the image is upright (erect)
- A negative magnification means the image is inverted (flipped upside down)
Therefore, if the magnification is negative, it directly indicates that the image formed is inverted with respect to the object. This usually occurs with:
- Concave mirrors when the object is placed beyond the focal point
- Convex lenses when the object is placed beyond the focal length
It is important to note:
- Magnification greater than 1 (absolute value) means the image is larger than the object
- Magnification between 0 and 1 (absolute value) means the image is smaller than the object
- The negative sign does not indicate size but orientation
In cases where no image is formed (like with diverging lenses under specific conditions), magnification is generally not defined. Therefore, the presence of a negative magnification strictly relates to inversion, not to the absence of an image.
In summary, a negative magnification always indicates that the image is inverted compared to the object, regardless of whether the image is larger or smaller in size.
