Convex Mirror vs. Concave Mirror: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 15, 2024
Convex mirrors curve outward, diverging light rays to form reduced images, while concave mirrors curve inward, converging light to magnify or project images.
Key Differences
A convex mirror is a spherical mirror with its reflecting surface bulging outwards. A concave mirror has a reflecting surface that caves inward, resembling a portion of a sphere.
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Jan 15, 2024
In convex mirrors, images appear smaller than the actual object, providing a wider field of view. Images in concave mirrors can be magnified, making them useful in applications like makeup mirrors.
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Jan 15, 2024
They are used in vehicle side mirrors for a broader view, minimizing blind spots. These mirrors can focus light to a single point, making them ideal for concentrating light.
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Jan 15, 2024
Unlike concave mirrors, convex mirrors cannot focus light to a point. In telescopes and headlights, concave mirrors are used for their focusing properties.
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Jan 15, 2024
Comparison Chart
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Image Formation
Forms reduced, virtual images
Can form magnified, real or virtual images
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Uses
Wide-angle viewing, e.g., vehicle mirrors
Focusing light, e.g., telescopes, headlights
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Jan 15, 2024
Convex Mirror and Concave Mirror Definitions
Convex Mirror
Convex mirrors are designed to diverge light, creating a wider field of view.
To avoid blind spots, trucks often use convex mirrors.
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Concave Mirror
Concave mirrors are integral in devices that require light concentration.
The lighthouse's concave mirror helped focus the beam of light far into the sea.
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Convex Mirror
Convex mirrors are used for their ability to provide a panoramic view.
Convex mirrors are commonly found in parking garages for safer navigation.
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Concave Mirror
Concave mirrors can produce magnified images, making them useful in various optical devices.
She used a concave mirror as a makeup mirror for its enlarging effect.
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Convex Mirror
This type of mirror forms virtual, upright, and reduced images.
In her art installation, she used a convex mirror to create unique, distorted reflections.
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Concave Mirror
These mirrors are capable of focusing light to a single point.
In science class, we used a concave mirror to focus sunlight and start a fire.
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Jan 05, 2024
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Convex Mirror
A convex mirror is a curved mirror with the reflective surface bulging outward.
The store used a convex mirror for security, allowing staff to see around corners.
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Concave Mirror
The image formed by a concave mirror can be real or virtual, depending on the object's distance.
The dentist used a concave mirror to see a magnified image of teeth.
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Convex Mirror
These mirrors are not used to focus light but to spread it.
The convex mirror in the hallway made the narrow space seem more open.
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Concave Mirror
A concave mirror is a curved mirror with the reflective surface caving inward.
The concave mirror in the telescope provided a clear, magnified view of distant stars.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why do convex mirrors not form real images?
Because they diverge light rays, which never actually meet to form a real image.
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Jan 15, 2024
Can a convex mirror magnify objects?
No, it generally creates smaller, reduced images.
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Jan 15, 2024
Where are convex mirrors typically used?
They are used in vehicle side mirrors, surveillance, and in areas requiring a wide field of view.
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Jan 15, 2024
How do convex mirrors enhance safety in vehicles?
By providing a wider field of view and reducing blind spots.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is the nature of the image formed by a convex mirror?
The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect, and smaller than the object.
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Jan 15, 2024
What happens to parallel rays of light when they strike a convex mirror?
Parallel rays of light diverge or spread out after reflection from a convex mirror.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is the focal point of a concave mirror?
Concave mirrors have a real focal point when the object is located beyond the focal point; otherwise, it's virtual.
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Jan 15, 2024
How do concave mirrors focus light?
They converge incoming light rays to a focal point in front of the mirror.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is a convex mirror?
A convex mirror is a curved, outward-bulging mirror that diverges light rays.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is a concave mirror?
A concave mirror is a curved mirror with an inward-bending reflective surface.
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Jan 15, 2024
What are the uses of concave mirrors?
They are used in telescopes, headlights, shaving/makeup mirrors, and in scientific instruments.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is the difference between the reflective surfaces of convex and concave mirrors?
Convex mirrors bulge outward, while concave mirrors curve inward, determining their reflective properties.
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Jan 15, 2024
What happens to parallel rays of light when they strike a concave mirror?
Parallel rays of light converge or come together after reflection from a concave mirror.
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Jan 15, 2024
How does the size of an object affect its image in a convex mirror?
Objects appear smaller in a convex mirror than they are in reality.
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Jan 15, 2024
Is the reflection from a convex mirror distorted?
Yes, the reflection in a convex mirror is distorted, making objects appear farther than they actually are.
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Jan 15, 2024
What is the nature of the image formed by a concave mirror when the object is outside the focal point?
The image is real, inverted, and can be either magnified or diminished.
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Jan 15, 2024
Is the reflection from a concave mirror distorted?
Reflection from a concave mirror can be distorted when the object is located far from the mirror.
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Jan 15, 2024
How does the size of an object affect its image in a concave mirror?
The size of the object can result in either a magnified or diminished image, depending on its position.
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Jan 15, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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