Light forms images when it reflects from mirrors or passes through lenses.
Curved mirrors and lenses can make images enlarged, diminished, erect, or inverted.
Curved surfaces can change how we see size, direction, and position. Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 help students revise spherical mirrors, concave mirrors, convex mirrors, laws of reflection, ray diagrams, concave lenses, convex lenses, image formation, and daily-life uses for CBSE 2026. The chapter begins with Meena’s visit to a science centre, where curved mirrors make faces appear large, small, or upside down. These activities help students answer MCQs, short answers, assertion-reason questions, and application-based questions from Light: Mirrors and Lenses.
Key Takeaways
- Spherical Mirrors: Concave mirrors curve inward, while convex mirrors curve outward.
- Reflection Law: Angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection.
- Convex Mirror: It always forms an erect and diminished image.
- Convex Lens: It converges light and works as a magnifying glass.
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Structure 2026
| Principle |
Application |
Unit |
| Spherical Mirrors |
Compare concave and convex mirrors |
reflection |
| Laws Of Reflection |
Draw incident and reflected rays |
angles |
| Lenses |
Compare converging and diverging lenses |
refraction path |
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 With Answers
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 With Answers focus on mirrors, lenses, and image formation. Students should connect every answer with object distance and surface shape.
Q1. What Are Spherical Mirrors?
Spherical mirrors are mirrors whose reflecting surfaces are spherical. They look like parts of a hollow sphere.
A spherical mirror may curve inward or outward. Concave and convex mirrors are two types of spherical mirrors.
Q2. What Is A Concave Mirror?
A concave mirror has a reflecting surface that curves inward. It can form enlarged, diminished, erect, or inverted images.
The inner side of a shiny spoon acts like a concave mirror. Dentists also use concave mirrors for enlarged views.
Q3. What Is A Convex Mirror?
A convex mirror has a reflecting surface that curves outward. It always forms an erect and diminished image.
The outer side of a shiny spoon acts like a convex mirror. Vehicle side-view mirrors are convex mirrors.
Q4. What Is A Plane Mirror?
A plane mirror has a flat reflecting surface. It forms an erect image of the same size as the object.
A plane mirror also shows lateral inversion. This means the left and right sides appear interchanged.
Q5. What Is Lateral Inversion?
Lateral inversion means the left and right sides appear reversed in a mirror image. It happens in plane and spherical mirrors.
For example, the right hand appears like the left hand in a mirror. Mirror writing shows this effect clearly.

Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Important Questions On Spherical Mirrors
Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Important Questions on spherical mirrors test concave and convex mirror behaviour. Object distance changes the image in a concave mirror.
Q1. How Can Students Identify Concave And Convex Mirrors?
Students can identify them by checking whether the reflecting surface curves inward or outward. Concave mirrors curve inward, while convex mirrors bulge outward.
A side view helps identify the mirror type. The shaded side in diagrams shows the non-reflecting surface.
Q2. What Image Does A Concave Mirror Form When The Object Is Close?
A concave mirror forms an erect and enlarged image when the object is close. The image appears bigger than the object.
This is why dentists use concave mirrors. They need an enlarged view of teeth.
Q3. What Image Does A Concave Mirror Form When The Object Moves Farther Away?
A concave mirror forms an inverted image when the object moves farther away. The image may first appear enlarged and then smaller.
The image changes with object distance. This makes concave mirrors different from plane mirrors.
Q4. What Image Does A Convex Mirror Form?
A convex mirror always forms an erect and diminished image. The image stays smaller than the object.
As the object moves away, the image becomes slightly smaller. It does not become inverted.
Q5. How Is A Spherical Mirror Different From A Plane Mirror?
A spherical mirror has a curved reflecting surface, while a plane mirror has a flat surface. Their images differ.
A plane mirror forms same-size images. Spherical mirrors can change image size.
Concave And Convex Mirror Class 8 Questions
Concave And Convex Mirror Class 8 questions help students compare mirror type, image size, and light behaviour. The surface curve decides the image and use.
Q1. What Is The Main Difference Between Concave And Convex Mirrors?
A concave mirror curves inward, while a convex mirror curves outward. Their image formation differs.
A concave mirror can enlarge or invert images. A convex mirror always gives erect and smaller images.
Q2. Which Mirror Converges Light?
A concave mirror converges a parallel beam of light. Reflected rays move closer after reflection.
This can concentrate sunlight on paper. The paper may burn because heat gathers at one spot.
Q3. Which Mirror Diverges Light?
A convex mirror diverges a parallel beam of light. Reflected rays spread after reflection.
This gives a wider view of surroundings. Vehicle mirrors use this property.
Q4. Which Mirror Can Form An Enlarged Image?
A concave mirror can form an enlarged image. This happens when the object stays close to it.
A convex mirror cannot form an enlarged image in this chapter’s observation. It always forms a diminished image.
Q5. Which Mirror Always Forms A Diminished Image?
A convex mirror always forms a diminished image. It also forms an erect image.
That is why it helps drivers see a wider road area. The trade-off is smaller image size.
Light Mirrors And Lenses Class 8 Questions On Uses Of Mirrors
Light Mirrors And Lenses Class 8 Questions on uses connect classroom observations with daily objects. Concave and convex mirrors have different practical roles.
Q1. Why Are Concave Mirrors Used By Dentists?
Dentists use concave mirrors because they give an enlarged view when held close to teeth. This helps inspect small areas.
A close tooth appears bigger in the mirror. This makes details easier to see.
Q2. Why Are Concave Mirrors Used In Torches And Headlights?
Concave mirrors are used because they can direct and concentrate reflected light. Torch reflectors and vehicle headlights use this shape.
A concave reflector helps send light forward. This improves visibility.
Q3. Why Are Convex Mirrors Used In Vehicles?
Convex mirrors are used in vehicles because they give a wider view of the road behind. They form erect and smaller images.
Drivers can see more traffic area. This helps safer turning and lane changing.
Q4. Why Are Convex Mirrors Used At Road Intersections?
Convex mirrors are used at road intersections because they show a wider area around bends. Drivers can see vehicles from the other side.
This helps prevent collisions. Such mirrors improve road safety.
Q5. Why Are Convex Mirrors Used In Big Stores?
Convex mirrors are used in big stores because they show a large area. Staff can monitor more space at once.
The image is smaller but erect. This helps surveillance and theft prevention.
Convex Mirror Class 8 Questions On Side-View Mirrors
Convex Mirror Class 8 Questions often test vehicle mirror warnings. The warning links smaller image size with distance judgement.
Q1. Why Is “Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” Written On Side-View Mirrors?
This warning appears because convex mirrors form diminished images. Smaller images can make vehicles look farther away.
The vehicle may actually be close. Drivers should judge distance carefully.
Q2. Why Do Convex Mirrors Show A Wider Field Of View?
Convex mirrors show a wider field of view because their surface bulges outward. This spreads reflected rays.
The driver sees more road area behind. This helps spot vehicles and pedestrians.
Q3. Why Are Plane Mirrors Not Preferred As Side-View Mirrors?
Plane mirrors show same-size images but cover a smaller area. Drivers need a wider rear view.
A convex mirror shows a larger road area. That makes it more useful for vehicles.
Q4. What Type Of Image Does A Vehicle Side Mirror Form?
A vehicle side mirror forms an erect and diminished image. It uses a convex mirror.
The image looks smaller than the vehicle. This helps include more traffic in the mirror view.
Q5. How Does A Convex Mirror Help At Sharp Bends?
A convex mirror helps by showing traffic from a wider side area. It helps drivers see around the bend.
This gives early warning of approaching vehicles. It reduces collision risk.
Class 8 Science Light Important Questions On Laws Of Reflection
Class 8 Science Light Important Questions on reflection laws test ray diagrams and angle measurement. These laws apply to plane, concave, and convex mirrors.
Q1. What Is The First Law Of Reflection?
The first law of reflection states that angle of incidence equals angle of reflection. In symbols, i = r.
The angle of incidence is between incident ray and normal. The angle of reflection is between reflected ray and normal.
Q2. What Is The Second Law Of Reflection?
The second law states that the incident ray, normal, and reflected ray lie in the same plane. This plane contains all three lines.
The chart paper activity shows this law. The reflected ray disappears when the paper is bent.
Q3. What Is The Incident Ray?
The incident ray is the ray of light that falls on the mirror. It travels towards the reflecting surface.
It meets the mirror at the point of incidence. The reflected ray starts from this point.
Q4. What Is The Reflected Ray?
The reflected ray is the ray of light that comes back from the mirror. It follows the laws of reflection.
Its direction depends on the angle of incidence. A changed incident angle changes the reflected ray.
Q5. What Is The Normal In Reflection?
The normal is a line drawn at 90° to the mirror at the point of incidence. It helps measure angles.
The angle of incidence and reflection are both measured from the normal. They are not measured from the mirror surface.
Laws Of Reflection Class 8 Questions With Angles
Laws Of Reflection Class 8 Questions with angles need careful angle reading. Students should check whether the question asks angle with normal or mirror.
Q1. If Angle Of Incidence Is 40°, What Is Angle Of Reflection?
The angle of reflection is 40°. The first law of reflection says i = r.
- Given Data:
Angle of incidence = 40°
- Formula Used:
Angle of reflection = angle of incidence
- Calculation:
Angle of reflection = 40°
- Final Result:
Angle of reflection = 40°
Q2. If A Reflected Ray Makes 40° With The Normal, What Angle Does It Make With The Mirror?
It makes 50° with the mirror. The normal is perpendicular to the mirror.
- Given Data:
Angle with normal = 40°
Angle between normal and mirror = 90°
- Formula Used:
Angle with mirror = 90° - angle with normal
- Calculation:
Angle with mirror = 90° - 40°
Angle with mirror = 50°
- Final Result:
Angle with mirror = 50°
Q3. What Happens When Light Falls Along The Normal?
When light falls along the normal, angle of incidence is 0°. The reflected ray returns along the same path.
- Given Data:
Incident ray falls along normal.
- Formula Used:
i = 0°
r = i
- Calculation:
r = 0°
- Final Result:
Angle of incidence = 0°, angle of reflection = 0°
Q4. Are Laws Of Reflection Valid For Spherical Mirrors?
Yes, laws of reflection are valid for all mirrors. They apply to plane, concave, and convex mirrors.
Each light ray follows the same laws. Curved surfaces change the direction of different rays differently.
Q5. Why Do Parallel Rays Converge In A Concave Mirror?
Parallel rays converge in a concave mirror because the reflecting surface curves inward. Reflected rays move closer.
Each ray follows reflection laws. The curved surface makes the reflected rays meet in a small region.
Reflection Of Light Class 8 Questions For Ray Diagrams
Reflection Of Light Class 8 Questions test drawing and terms. Students should draw the normal before measuring angles.
Q1. How Should Students Draw A Reflected Ray?
Students should first draw the normal and then make angle of reflection equal to angle of incidence. Use a ruler and protractor.
Measure both angles from the normal. This gives an accurate reflected ray.
Q2. What Happens If A Mirror Is Tilted But Light Still Falls Along The Normal?
The reflected ray travels back along the same normal path. The angle of incidence remains 0°.
The mirror tilt changes the normal direction. The ray still reflects back along the normal.
Q3. What Is The Point Of Incidence?
The point of incidence is the point where the incident ray strikes the mirror. The normal is drawn at this point.
Both incident and reflected rays meet at this point. Ray diagrams depend on it.
Q4. Why Does A Reflected Beam Disappear On Bent Paper?
The reflected beam disappears because the bent paper lies in a different plane. The reflected ray stays in the original plane.
Flattening the paper restores the same plane. The reflected beam appears again.
Q5. Why Should Students Use A Protractor In Reflection Diagrams?
Students should use a protractor to measure angles accurately. Reflection questions depend on equal angles.
Small errors can change the reflected ray direction. Accurate diagrams need careful angle measurement.
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 On Concave And Convex Lenses
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 on lenses focus on transparent curved surfaces. Lenses allow light to pass through them.
Q1. What Is A Lens?
A lens is a transparent material with curved surfaces. It is usually made of glass or plastic.
A lens changes how objects appear. It can make images larger, smaller, erect, or inverted.
Q2. What Is A Convex Lens?
A convex lens is thicker at the middle than at the edges. It converges a light beam.
A magnifying glass uses a convex lens. It makes nearby small letters appear larger.
Q3. What Is A Concave Lens?
A concave lens is thicker at the edges than at the middle. It diverges a light beam.
Objects seen through a concave lens appear erect and diminished. Their size changes with distance.
Q4. How Is A Lens Different From A Mirror?
A lens lets light pass through, while a mirror reflects light. We look through a lens but in a mirror.
Lenses are transparent. Mirrors have reflecting surfaces.
Q5. How Does A Water Drop Act Like A Lens?
A water drop acts like a simple lens because its surface is curved outward. It can enlarge letters below it.
A water drop on a transparent sheet bends light. This changes how the text appears.
Concave And Convex Lens Class 8 Questions
Concave And Convex Lens Class 8 Questions compare shape, image, and light path. These questions often appear with diagrams.
Q1. What Is The Main Difference Between Convex And Concave Lenses?
A convex lens is thick in the middle, while a concave lens is thin in the middle. Their light behaviour differs.
A convex lens converges light. A concave lens diverges light.
Q2. Which Lens Is Called A Converging Lens?
A convex lens is called a converging lens. It brings parallel light beams closer.
It can concentrate sunlight on paper. This can produce a bright hot spot.
Q3. Which Lens Is Called A Diverging Lens?
A concave lens is called a diverging lens. It spreads parallel light beams.
Objects through it always appear erect and diminished. It changes light direction while letting light pass.
Q4. Which Lens Is Used In A Magnifying Glass?
A convex lens is used in a magnifying glass. It can make nearby small text appear larger.
Students should keep it at a suitable distance from the text. Moving it changes the image.
Q5. Which Lens Is Present Inside The Human Eye?
The human eye has a convex lens inside it. It helps form images for vision.
The eye lens can change its shape. This helps us see nearby and far objects.
Convex Lens Class 8 Questions On Image Formation
Convex Lens Class 8 Questions on image formation depend on object distance. A convex lens can form different images.
Q1. What Image Forms When An Object Is Close To A Convex Lens?
When an object is close to a convex lens, it appears erect and enlarged. This is why a magnifying glass helps reading.
Small letters look bigger. The lens must stay at a suitable distance.
Q2. What Happens When The Object Moves Farther From A Convex Lens?
When the object moves farther away, the image can become inverted. It may first be enlarged and then diminished.
Object distance changes the image. Students should observe this slowly during activity.
Q3. Can A Convex Lens Burn Paper?
Yes, a convex lens can burn paper by converging sunlight. It concentrates light and heat at a small bright spot.
Safety is essential during this activity. Students must never look at the Sun through a lens.
Q4. Why Should Students Not Look At The Sun Through A Convex Lens?
Students should not look at the Sun through a convex lens because concentrated sunlight can damage eyes. This is dangerous.
The activity should happen only under adult or teacher supervision. The light should fall only on paper.
Q5. Where Are Convex Lenses Used?
Convex lenses are used in magnifying glasses, cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and eyes. These uses depend on light bending.
Smartphone cameras also contain lenses. Eyeglasses can also use lenses.
Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Questions And Answers On Image Formation
Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Questions And Answers on image formation compare mirrors, lenses, and glass. The image depends on surface shape and distance.
Q1. How Does A Concave Lens Form Images?
A concave lens always makes an object appear erect and diminished. The image remains smaller than the object.
As distance changes, size changes slightly. The image does not become inverted in the chapter activity.
Q2. How Does A Flat Transparent Glass Piece Affect An Object?
A flat transparent glass piece usually shows the object without changing its size much. It does not act like a curved lens.
The surface is not curved like a lens. Light passes through with little visible change.
Q3. Why Does A Pencil Look Bent Through Water?
A pencil looks changed through water because light changes direction while passing through different transparent materials. The water and glass affect the light path.
This makes the pencil appear displaced or bent. The effect becomes visible when the tumbler has water.
Q4. Which Mirror Forms A Same-Size Erect Image?
A plane mirror forms a same-size erect image. It also shows lateral inversion.
Concave and convex mirrors can change image size. Plane mirrors keep the same size.
Q5. Which Mirror Forms An Always Erect And Diminished Image?
A convex mirror always forms an erect and diminished image. This property makes it useful in vehicles.
It gives a wider view. The image appears smaller than the object.
Image Formation Class 8 Science Questions For Practice
Image Formation Class 8 Science Questions help students match images with mirror or lens type. Look at size and orientation first.
Q1. How Can Students Identify A Convex Mirror From An Image?
Students can identify a convex mirror if the image is erect and diminished. This image remains smaller than the object.
Side-view mirrors show this property. They show a wider field of view.
Q2. How Can Students Identify A Concave Mirror From An Image?
Students can identify a concave mirror if image size or orientation changes with distance. It can form enlarged or inverted images.
Close objects may appear enlarged and erect. Farther objects may appear inverted.
Q3. How Can Students Identify A Plane Mirror From An Image?
Students can identify a plane mirror if the image is erect and same size. It also shows lateral inversion.
A flat mirror at home shows this image. It does not enlarge or diminish objects.
Q4. How Can Students Identify A Concave Lens From An Image?
Students can identify a concave lens if the object always appears erect and diminished. This happens when viewed through the lens.
The lens is thinner in the middle. It diverges light.
Q5. How Can Students Identify A Convex Lens From An Image?
Students can identify a convex lens if a close object appears enlarged. At larger distances, the image can appear inverted.
A magnifying glass uses this property. It is thicker in the middle.
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Extra Questions
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 10 Extra Questions cover MCQs, reasoning, and assertion-reason items. These answers match CBSE 2026 chapter concepts.
Q1. A Ray Makes 40° With The Normal. What Angle Does The Reflected Ray Make With The Mirror?
The reflected ray makes 50° with the mirror. The reflected ray makes 40° with the normal.
- Given Data:
Angle of incidence = 40°
Angle of reflection = 40°
- Formula Used:
Angle with mirror = 90° - angle with normal
- Calculation:
Angle with mirror = 90° - 40°
Angle with mirror = 50°
- Final Result:
Angle made with mirror = 50°
Q2. When Light Is Incident Along The Normal, What Is The Angle Of Incidence?
The angle of incidence is 0°. The incident ray lies on the normal itself.
Correct option: Angle of incidence is 0°
Q3. Which Mirror Is Best For Observing Traffic Behind Us?
A convex mirror is best for observing traffic behind us. It provides a larger view area than a plane mirror.
Correct assertion-reason answer: Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason explains Assertion.
Q4. What Happens When A Woman Walks Towards A Large Concave Mirror?
She may first see an inverted image that increases in size and later becomes erect and magnified. Concave mirror images change with distance.
Correct option: Her inverted image keeps increasing in size and eventually becomes erect and magnified.
Q5. What Happens When A Magnifying Glass Moves Away From Text?
The text first appears enlarged at a suitable distance, then the image changes as distance increases. A magnifying glass is a convex lens.
At some distance, the image may become inverted. The lens type is convex lens.
Light Class 8 Science Extra Questions From NCERT Pattern
Light Class 8 Science Extra Questions from the NCERT pattern include matching and diagram-based logic. Students should compare definitions before selecting answers.
Q1. Match Concave Mirror With Its Correct Description.
A concave mirror is a spherical mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward. It can form different image sizes.
Correct match: Concave mirror = spherical mirror with reflecting surface curving inwards.
Q2. Match Convex Mirror With Its Correct Description.
A convex mirror forms an image that is always erect and diminished in size. It is used in vehicle mirrors.
Correct match: Convex mirror = always erect and diminished image.
Q3. Match Convex Lens With Its Correct Description.
A convex lens can make an object appear inverted at some distance. It can also magnify nearby objects.
Correct match: Convex lens = object placed behind it may appear inverted at some distance.
Q4. Match Concave Lens With Its Correct Description.
A concave lens makes an object appear diminished in size. It always gives an erect and diminished image.
Correct match: Concave lens = object placed behind it always appears diminished in size.
Q5. Why Is A Curved Line Seen On Some Reading Glasses?
A curved line on some reading glasses can separate different lens regions. Different parts help in different viewing needs.
The upper and lower parts may support different distances. Such glasses use lens design for clearer vision.
Class 8 Science Chapter List