But what does the image really look like? It depends on where you place the object relative to the mirror. If you place an object at the center of curvature, you’ll get a real inverted image the same size and location as the original.

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If you place it beyond the center of curvature (away from the mirror), the image will be inverted (upside-down), smaller, and real. In front of the center of curvature will give an image that is beyond the center, inverted, and larger than the original. Objects at the focal point don’t give any image at all.

To get a virtual image, you need to put the object between the focal point and the mirror, which will appear right-side up and magnified.

Click here to go to next lesson on Image Size and Placement

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