The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
A concave lens is a diverging lens. When light rays from a real object pass through a concave lens, they diverge. The image is formed at the point where these diverging rays appear to meet when traced backward.- Statement 1 is Correct: The image formed by a concave lens is always virtual. Since the refracted rays diverge, they never actually intersect to form a real image on a screen; they only appear to originate from a specific point.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The image formed by a concave lens is always erect (upright). Inverted images are characteristic of real images formed by convex lenses (depending on object position) or concave mirrors, but a concave lens never produces an inverted image for a real object.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The image formed by a concave lens is always diminished (smaller than the object). Regardless of how far or near the object is placed relative to the lens, the image size remains smaller than the object size.
Key Takeaway: For any position of a real object, a concave lens always forms an image that is virtual, erect, and diminished.