Diverging lens forms virtual, upright, diminished image

Steps:

• Rays diverge after lens, appearing to originate from same side as object, indicating diverging lens.
• Parallel ray from object top seems to pass through focal point on object side; central ray goes straight through.
• Apparent intersection point on object side is below object top, forming virtual image.
• Image height is shorter than object and oriented upright relative to object.

Why D is correct:

• Diverging lenses always produce virtual images that are erect (same way up) and reduced in size, per lens formula where image distance is negative and |v| < |u|.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Inverted and larger images occur with converging lenses for real images when object is between F and 2F.
• B: Upright and larger images form with converging lenses when object is inside focal point (virtual magnification).
• C: Inverted and smaller images result from converging lenses when object is beyond 2F (real, diminished).

Final answer: D