An IGCSE physics class is investigating the position of the image in a plane mirror using pin-tracing. A student marks the position of an object pin at P1P_1P1. By tracing two different reflected rays and extending their paths behind the mirror line, the student finds that the construction lines intersect at point YYY, which represents the position of the virtual image.
The student's measurements are as follows:
State whether the student's results support the suggestion that the object distance aaa is equal to the image distance bbb. Justify your statement by referring to the values.
Suggest two practical precautions that should be taken when positioning the pins on the ray-trace sheet to ensure the results are as reliable and accurate as possible.
216 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 3.2 Light, covering 3.2.1a Reflection of light, 3.2.1b Images in a plane mirror, 3.2.2 Refraction of light, 3.2.2a Refraction of light, 3.2.2b Total internal reflection, 3.2.2c Refractive index and critical angle, 3.2.2d Optical fibres, 3.2.3a Converging and diverging lenses, 3.2.3b Ray diagrams and the nature of images, 3.2.3c Virtual images and the magnifying glass, 3.2.3d Correcting long-sightedness and short-sightedness, and 3.2.4 Dispersion of light. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.