Virtual, Erect, and Laterally Inverted Images Formed by Plane Mirror
The images formed by a plane mirror possess certain distinct characteristics due to the nature of reflection. Let's delve into the details of virtual, erect, and laterally inverted images formed by a plane mirror:

Virtual Image:
- A virtual image is formed by a plane mirror, where light rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror.
- This image cannot be projected onto a screen since it is perceived by the observer's eye only.

Erect Image:
- The image formed by a plane mirror is always erect, which means the top of the object is always on top in the image.
- This is because the mirror reverses the up-down orientation of the object but not the left-right orientation.

Laterally Inverted Image:
- The image formed by a plane mirror is laterally inverted, which means the left side of the object appears on the right side in the image and vice versa.
- This phenomenon occurs due to the reflection process where the light rays change direction but maintain the same angle.
In conclusion, when an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, it forms a virtual, erect, and laterally inverted image. Understanding these characteristics is crucial in various optical applications and can help in comprehending the behavior of light when it interacts with reflective surfaces.