The correct option is (a).
Explanation
A polished metal spoon acts as a spherical mirror. The inner curved surface functions as a concave mirror, while the outer bulging surface functions as a convex mirror. The nature of the image formed depends on the curvature of the surface and the distance of the object (the face) from it.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: When the face is held very close to the inner side of the spoon, the object is positioned within the focal length (between the pole and the focus) of the concave mirror. In this specific range, a concave mirror forms a virtual, erect, and magnified image.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The outer side of the spoon acts as a convex mirror. A convex mirror always produces a virtual, erect, and diminished image, regardless of the distance of the object. It never forms an inverted image.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: As the distance of the face from the inner side (concave mirror) increases beyond the focal length, the image does not disappear completely. Instead, the nature of the image changes from virtual and erect to real and inverted. While the image may appear blurry at the focal point, it persists as an inverted reflection at greater distances.
Key Takeaway
The inner surface of a spoon (concave mirror) forms an erect and magnified image when the object is very close, and an inverted image when the object is moved away. The outer surface (convex mirror) always forms an erect and diminished image.