Concept:
• The magnification $m$ of a thin lens is defined as the ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object.
• In terms of object distance $u$ and image distance $v$, the linear magnification is given by the formula $m = \frac{v}{u}$.
• When the absolute value of magnification $|m| > 1$, the image is strictly enlarged.
• When the absolute value of magnification $|m| < 1$, the image is strictly reduced or diminished.
• In the displacement method, the two lens positions are completely conjugate to each other, meaning $u_1 = v_2$ and $v_1 = u_2$.
Step 1: Analyzing the first lens position
When the student starts moving the lens away from the object towards the screen, the first position encountered is closer to the object.
Let the object distance be $u_1$ and the image distance (distance to the screen) be $v_1$.
Because the lens is physically closer to the object, we definitely have $|u_1| < |v_1|$.
The magnification for this first position is $m_1 = \frac{v_1}{u_1}$.
Since the numerator is geometrically larger than the denominator ($|v_1| > |u_1|$), the absolute value $|m_1|$ is greater than 1.
Therefore, the image formed at the first position is highly enlarged compared to the original object.
Step 2: Analyzing the second lens position
As the student continues to move the lens further towards the screen, the second position is reached.
At this new position, the lens is now physically closer to the screen and much farther from the object.
Let the new object distance be $u_2$ and the new image distance be $v_2$.
Due to the principle of reversibility (conjugate property), $u_2 = v_1$ and $v_2 = u_1$.
Since we already established $|v_1| > |u_1|$, it strictly means that $|u_2| > |v_2|$.
The magnification for this second position is $m_2 = \frac{v_2}{u_2}$.
Since the numerator is now geometrically smaller than the denominator ($|v_2| < |u_2|$), the absolute value $|m_2|$ is less than 1.
Therefore, the image formed at the second position is significantly reduced (diminished) compared to the original object.
Step 3: Conclusion
Summarizing the sequence of observations as the lens moves away from the object:
The first position yields an enlarged image.
The second position yields a reduced image.
Hence, the sequence of images formed is "enlarged, reduced", which matches option (D).