The correct option is **B. The image is virtual and cannot be projected onto a screen.** ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding Image Formation in Mirrors:** - When light strikes a flat (plane) mirror, it reflects according to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This means that the light rays bounce off the mirror and create an image. 2. **Characteristics of the Image:** - **Virtual Image:** The image formed by a flat mirror is virtual. This means that the light rays do not actually converge at the location of the image; instead, they appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror. You cannot project this image onto a screen because the light rays do not physically reach that point. - **Location of the Image:** The virtual image appears to be the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it. For example, if an object is 3 meters in front of the mirror, the virtual image will appear to be 3 meters behind the mirror. 3. **Why Option B is Correct:** - The statement "The image is virtual and cannot be projected onto a screen" accurately describes the nature of the image formed by a flat mirror. Since the image is virtual, it cannot be captured on a screen, which is a key characteristic of images formed by plane mirrors. ### Analysis of Other Options: - **Option A: The image is always larger than the object.** - This statement is incorrect. In a flat mirror, the size of the image is the same as the size of the object. The image is neither larger nor smaller; it is a one-to-one representation of the object. - **Option C: The image is inverted and located behind the mirror.** - This statement is misleading. While the image is indeed located behind the mirror, it is not inverted. In fact, the image formed by a flat mirror is upright (not inverted) and appears to be the same orientation as the object. Inversion occurs in concave mirrors or when using certain optical systems, but not with flat mirrors. - **Option D: The distance of the image from the mirror is less than the distance of the object from the mirror.** - This statement is also incorrect. The distance of the image from the mirror is equal to the distance of the object from the mirror. If an object is 2 meters in front of the mirror, the image will be 2 meters behind the mirror, not less. ### Summary of Key Points: - The image formed by a flat mirror is virtual and cannot be projected onto a screen. - The image is the same size as the object and is upright, not inverted. - The distance of the image from the mirror is equal to the distance of the object from the mirror. - Understanding the properties of images formed by mirrors is crucial for solving problems in optics.