Reflection at Curved Surfaces Practice Questions

KCSE (Kenya) · KCSE Physics · 148 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.

148
Total
46
Easy
73
Medium
29
Hard

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Sample Questions from Reflection at Curved Surfaces

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Q1
Easy
What type of mirror is commonly used in vehicles to provide a wider field of view?
A. Concave mirror
B. Convex mirror
C. Plane mirror
D. Flat mirror
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
A convex mirror is used in vehicles because it allows a wider field of view, helping drivers see more of the area behind them.
Q2
Easy
When parallel rays of light strike a concave mirror, what is the point where they converge called?
A. Focal point
B. Center of curvature
C. Vertex
D. Principal axis
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The focal point is the point where parallel rays that strike a concave mirror converge after reflection, hence it is referred to as the focal point.
Q3
Easy
Which of the following statements accurately describes the behavior of light when it strikes a concave mirror?
A. Light rays diverge after reflection.
B. Light rays converge to a focal point.
C. Light rays reflect at random angles.
D. Light rays are absorbed by the mirror.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Concave mirrors cause parallel light rays to converge at a focal point due to their inward curvature, making option B correct.
Q4
Medium
A concave mirror produces an upright image that is larger than the object. Where must the object be placed in relation to the focal point?
A. Between the focal point and the mirror
B. At the focal point
C. Beyond the center of curvature
D. Between the mirror and the center of curvature
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
An upright image larger than the object is formed when the object is placed between the mirror and the center of curvature in a concave mirror.
Q5
Medium
A ray of light strikes a concave mirror at an angle of 30 degrees to the normal. What is the angle of reflection?
A. 30 degrees
B. 60 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 15 degrees
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
According to the law of reflection, the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. Therefore, if the angle of incidence is 30 degrees, the angle of reflection is also 30 degrees.
Q6
Medium
If a concave mirror has a focal length of 10 cm, where should an object be placed to obtain a real image at a distance of 20 cm from the mirror?
A. 5 cm from the mirror
B. 20 cm from the mirror
C. 30 cm from the mirror
D. 10 cm from the mirror
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Using the mirror formula 1/f = 1/v + 1/u, where f is focal length (10 cm), v is image distance (20 cm), we rearrange to find u (object distance), which gives u = 30 cm.
Q7
Medium
A concave mirror is used to focus light from a distant star. What is the primary reason for the choice of a concave mirror over a flat mirror in this application?
A. Concave mirrors are lighter.
B. Concave mirrors can focus light.
C. Concave mirrors are cheaper.
D. Concave mirrors are more durable.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Concave mirrors can focus parallel rays of light to a single point, which is essential for applications like telescopes to gather light from distant stars.
Q8
Hard
A concave mirror produces a virtual image that is upright and larger than the object. If the object is placed 10 cm from the mirror and the focal length of the mirror is 5 cm, what is the distance of the image from the mirror?
A. 3.33 cm
B. 5 cm
C. 15 cm
D. 20 cm
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Using the mirror formula 1/f = 1/v + 1/u, where f is the focal length, v is the image distance, and u is the object distance. Here, f = -5 cm (concave mirror), u = -10 cm. Solving gives v = 3.33 cm, indicating the image is virtual.
Q9
Hard
A spherical concave mirror has a radius of curvature of 30 cm. An object is placed at a distance of 45 cm from the mirror. What is the nature of the image formed?
A. Real and inverted
B. Virtual and upright
C. Real and upright
D. Virtual and inverted
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Using the mirror formula and considering the object distance greater than the focal length, the image will be real and inverted. The image distance calculated is positive, confirming its real nature.
Q10
Hard
A concave mirror has a focal length of 20 cm. An object is placed 30 cm in front of the mirror. What is the position of the image formed?
A. 15 cm in front of the mirror
B. 60 cm in front of the mirror
C. 30 cm behind the mirror
D. 10 cm behind the mirror
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Using the mirror formula (1/f = 1/v + 1/u), we calculate the image distance (v). Here, f = 20 cm and u = -30 cm. Substituting the values gives v = 60 cm, indicating the image is 60 cm in front of the mirror.

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Reflection at Curved Surfaces — KCSE (Kenya) KCSE Physics Practice Questions Online

This page contains 148 practice MCQs for the chapter Reflection at Curved Surfaces in KCSE (Kenya) KCSE Physics. The questions are organized by difficulty — 46 easy, 73 medium, 29 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.

Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.