MCAT Physics Question 113: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 113
8. Which of the following describes the image formed by an object placed in front of a convex lens at a distance smaller than the focal length?
- A. Virtual and inverted
- B. Virtual and upright
- C. Real and upright
- D. Real and inverted
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The image produced by a convex lens can be either real or virtual. It is real if the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal point, and virtual if the object is placed at a distance less than the focal point (between the focal point and the lens). Remember that for a single mirror or lens, an image that is real must be inverted and one that is virtual must be upright. In this question, the object is placed in front of the focal point, so the image must be virtual and, therefore, upright. We could also determine this from the optics equation. If f > o, then 
is negative, and i is therefore negative (virtual).