Is it true that object distance ( $u$ ) for a concave mirror or convex mirror is always negative because an object is always placed to the left side of the mirror and the distances towards the left of the mirror are always negative?

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True

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answer is A.

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Detailed Solution

The above statement is True.
Using Cartesian Sign convention, Object distance (

u

) for a concave mirror or convex mirror is always negative because an object is always placed to the left side of the mirror and the distances towards the left of the mirror are always negative.
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Cartesian Sign Convention: In the case of the spherical mirror, all signs are taken from the Pole of the spherical mirror, which is often called the origin or origin point. This sign convention is known as New Cartesian Sign Convention.
The sign is taken as – (negative) from the pole of a spherical mirror towards an object along the principal axis. This means the sign is always taken as – (negative) in front of a spherical mirror. For example, the object's distance is always taken as – (negative) in the case of both types of a spherical mirrors, i.e. concave and convex mirrors.

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