Mirror and Water Image: Meaning, Reasoning Questions with Answers, Tricks

The mirror and water image is one of the topics that is mostly seen in the reasoning section of various competitive exams and entrance exams such as RRB, SSC CHSL, SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CPO, CUET and TANCET. A mirror image is the reflection of the image seen in the mirror. Depending on the placement of the mirror the sides of the image/object get reversed whereas the water image is the reflection of an object/image into the water. The water image appears by inverting an object vertically. The water image of the figure looks like the mirror image of the figure in case the mirror is placed horizontally at the bottom of the figure. It is one of the most important topic of non verbal reasoning.

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This Story also Contains

1. Techniques to Solve Mirror Image Problems
2. Water Image in Reasoning
3. Difference Between Mirror and Water Image
4. Similarities Between Mirror and Water Image
5. Practice and Resources on mirror and water image
6. Question Weightage of Reasoning Mirror and Water Images in Competitive Exams
7. Practice Questions For Mirror Image
8. Practice Questions For Water Image
9. Mirror and Water Image Questions for TANCET/ CUET
10. Mirror and Water Image Questions for SSC CGL/ SSC CHSL/SSC Stenographer/ SSC CPO exams
11. Mirror and Water Image Questions for Railway Recruitment Board exams

Techniques to Solve Mirror Image Problems

To solve mirror image problems, the following points should be kept in mind-

1. Aspirants need to carefully analyze the key elements of the image i.e., the arrangement of letters, numbers, symbols if any.

2. Aspirants need to mentally visualize the position of the mirror. Depending on the position of the mirror, i.e., horizontal or vertical, the image’s elements will get reversed.

3. After mentally visualizing the reflected image, look for it in the given options to determine the correct option.

4. If at any point an aspirant is unsure, then try to eliminate options that do not match the reflected image of the given elements.

Water Image in Reasoning

Water image refers to vertical inversion which means that the top of the image will become the bottom and the bottom of the image will become the top. But the left and right sides of the image will remain the same. Here, the reflection of the image takes place in still water.

Approaches to Solve Water Image Problems

To solve water image problems, the following points should be kept in mind-

1. Aspirants need to mentally flip the elements of the image i.e., the top side will become the bottom and the bottom side will become the top.

2. Ensure that the left and right sides of the image remain the same.

3. Taking into consideration the flipped elements, determine the correct option.

4. If an aspirant is unsure, try to draw the inverted image of the given elements on the rough sheet and then determine the correct option.

5. Practice is key to success in every field. So, one must attempt several mirror and water image questions pdf to do well in the exam.

Difference Between Mirror and Water Image

In mirror image questions, the mirror can be placed vertically as well as horizontally.
If the mirror is placed vertically, the top of the image becomes the bottom and the bottom of the image becomes the top. But the left and right sides of the reflected image remain the same.

If the mirror is placed horizontally, the left side of the image becomes the right and the right side becomes the left. But the top and bottom of the image remain the same.

Whereas, in water image questions, only vertical inversion of the image takes place. The top of the image becomes the bottom and the bottom of the image becomes the top. But the left and right sides of the inverted image remain the same.

Similarities Between Mirror and Water Image

1. In both the mirror and water images the reflection of elements given in the question takes place.

2. A horizontal mirror reflection and water image of a particular object/element holds the same characteristics. When reflected the top of the image becomes the bottom and the bottom of the image becomes the top. But the left and right sides of the inverted image remain the same.

Practice and Resources on mirror and water image

Following are the recommended sources for the practice of the questions -

a) A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

b) Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

c) Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A.K. Gupta

d) Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe

Question Weightage of Reasoning Mirror and Water Images in Competitive Exams

Mirror image questions are often found in reasoning ability tests but water image questions are less prominent.
1) In certain Government exams like SSC, Railways, Defence etc. 2 to 3 questions are asked.
2) In CUET and other admission tests 1 to 2 questions are asked.

Type of questions based on Mirror and Water Images seen in the exam

1) Based on mirror and water image of alphabets.
2) Based on mirror and water image of clock questions.
3) Based on mirror and water image of different type of images.
4) Based on mirror and water image of numbers.

Browse more topics under Images:

Practice Questions For Mirror Image

1. Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at line MN as shown.

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line MN). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.
Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2. Directions: If a mirror is placed on the line AB, then out of the option figures which figure will be the right image of the question figure?

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.
Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

3. Directions: If a mirror is placed on the line AB, then out of the option figures which figure will be the right image of the question figure?

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.
Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

4. Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at line AB as shown.

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

5. Directions: If a mirror is placed on the line AB, then out of the option figures which figure will be the right image of the question figure?

1. (correct)

2. 

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the first option is correct.

6. Directions: If a mirror is placed on the line AB, then out of the option figures which figure will be the right image of the question figure?

1. 

2. 

3. (correct)

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the bottom side of the figure (on line AB). So, the top side of the reflected image will appear as the bottom side, and the bottom side will appear as the top side. However, the left and right sides of the reflected image will remain the same.
Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

7. Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is placed on its right side.

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line MN). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

8. Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at line AB as shown.

1. 

2. 

3. (correct)

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

9. Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is placed on its right side.

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure. So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

10. Directions: If a mirror is placed on the line AB, then out of the option figures which figure will be the right image of the question figure?

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.
Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the bottom side of the figure (on line AB). So, the top side of the reflected image will appear as the bottom side, and the bottom side will appear as the top side. However, the left and right sides of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Practice Questions For Water Image

1. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. 

3. (correct)

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

2. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

3. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. (correct)

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

4. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. (correct)

2. 

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the first option is correct.

5. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. 

3. (correct)

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

6. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

7. Directions: Which one of the following is the water image of COMMISSION?

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

8. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. (correct)

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

9. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. (correct)

2. 

3. 

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the first option is correct.

10. Directions: From the options given below, select the correct water image of the given figure.

1. 

2. 

3. (correct)

4. 

Solution-

As per the water image properties, closer things appear closer to the water in the reflection.
So, according to the above property and the information provided, the top of the reflected image will appear as the bottom and the bottom will appear as the top. However, the left and the right of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct water image will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

For more practice and better understanding the mirror and water image reasoning tricks you must download the e-book of mirror and water image reasoning questions pdf below:
Mirror and Water Image Questions with Solutions PDF

Mirror and Water Image Questions for TANCET/ CUET

Generally, 1 -2 questions on mirror and water have been seen in the TANCET and CUET exams.

1) Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at PQ as shown below

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Reflect the figure by interchanging its left and right sides while considering the mirror's position.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.

So, according to the above property and the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line PQ). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

2) Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is placed at AB as shown.

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Reflect the figure by interchanging its left and right sides while considering the mirror's position.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.

So, according to the above property and the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line MN). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the first option is correct.

Mirror and Water Image Questions for SSC CGL/ SSC CHSL/SSC Stenographer/ SSC CPO exams

1) Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given combination when the mirror is placed at line MN as shown.

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Place the mirror on the shaded line and choose the correct image by interchanging the right and left of the given figure.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.

Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line MN). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2) Directions: Select the correct mirror image of the given figure when the mirror is placed at AB as shown.

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Reflect the figure by interchanging its left and right sides while considering the mirror's position.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear close to the mirror in the reflection.

Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on Line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

Mirror and Water Image Questions for Railway Recruitment Board exams

1) Directions: Select the correct mirror image from the following options, when the mirror is placed on the right side of the given figure.

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Reflect the figure by interchanging its left and right sides while considering the mirror's position.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.

Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line MN). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the second option is correct.

2) Directions: Which of the answer figures is the exact mirror image of the given problem figure when the mirror is held on the right side?

1)

2)

3)

4)

Hint: Reflect the figure by interchanging its left and right sides while considering the mirror's position.

Solution

As per the mirror image properties, closer things appear closer to the mirror in the reflection.

Here, according to the information provided, the mirror is placed on the right side of the figure (on line AB). So, the left side of the reflected image will appear as the right side, and the right side will appear as the left side. However, the top and bottom of the reflected image will remain the same.

Thus, the correct mirror image of the given figure will be –

Hence, the third option is correct.

Read more: The verbal reasoning topics given below.

About the Faculty
Tanu Gupta, with over a decade of experience as a reasoning faculty, specializes in preparing students for various entrance examinations and career development. Her extensive work with multiple educational platforms and institutions has honed her expertise in logical and analytical thinking. Her dedication to innovative teaching methods ensures these articles provide practical insights and expert guidance.