The correct answer is option 3: virtual and laterally inverted. When we look at an object in a plane mirror, the image formed is virtual, which means that it is not a real image that can be projected onto a screen. Instead, it is an image that appears to be behind the mirror. The image is also laterally inverted, meaning that it appears reversed from left to right compared to the actual object.

Let`s understand the other options as well for better clarity:

Option 1: Real and thus can be photographed. This statement is incorrect. The image formed in a plane mirror is not a real image, so it cannot be captured by a camera.

Option 2: Virtual and nearer than the object. This statement is also incorrect. The virtual image formed in a plane mirror is at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it. The image appears to be behind the mirror, but it is not physically closer to the mirror than the actual object.

Option 4: Real but cannot be photographed. This statement is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, the image formed in a plane mirror is not a real image, so it cannot be photographed.

In conclusion, the image formed in a plane mirror is virtual and laterally inverted, which