The Difference Between Concave Mirror and Convex Mirror
Mirrors have been a vital part of human life, particularly in the world of optics. A mirror is an object with a reflective surface used for reflection of light. Convex and concave mirrors are the two most common types of mirrors used in our daily lives. They are different in their nature, structure, and properties. Below is a brief explanation of the difference between the two types of mirrors.
What is a Concave Mirror?
A concave mirror is also known as a converging mirror. It is curved inward, and the curvature is towards the center. The surface of the mirror is reflective, and it is used to reflect light to create a real or virtual image. Concave mirrors are used in optical devices such as telescopes, headlights, and shaving mirrors. When light falls on a concave mirror, it converges at a focal point in front of the mirror.
What is a Convex Mirror?
A convex mirror is also called a diverging mirror. It is curved outward, and the curvature is away from the center. Like the concave mirror, the surface of the convex mirror is reflective, and it is used to reflect light to create an image. Convex mirrors are used in traffic mirrors, rearview mirrors, and security mirrors. When light falls on a convex mirror, it diverges in different directions.
Differences Between Concave and Convex Mirrors
Here are some of the significant differences between concave and convex mirrors:
Curvature: Concave mirrors have a curvature towards the center, while convex mirrors have a curvature away from the center.
Image: Concave mirrors produce both real and virtual images, while convex mirrors only produce virtual images.
Focal Point: When a concave mirror is used, the reflected light converges and meets at a focal point, while it diverges away from the focal point in a convex mirror.
Size: Concave mirrors give a magnified image of the object when placed close to the mirror, while convex mirrors give a smaller, but more panoramic view.
Application: Concave mirrors are commonly used in optical devices such as telescopes, cameras, and headlights, while convex mirrors are used in traffic mirrors, rearview mirrors, and security mirrors.
In conclusion, both concave and convex mirrors serve different purposes depending on the application. While both mirrors can be found in day-to-day life, it is essential to understand their differences to determine which one will work best for a particular application.
Table difference between concave mirror and convex mirror
| Feature | Convex Mirror | Concave Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Curved outward, like the back of a spoon | Curved inward, like the inside of a spoon |
| Image Formation | Forms a smaller and virtual image | Forms a larger and virtual or real image |
| Uses | Security mirrors, side view mirrors in vehicles, decorative mirrors | Makeup mirrors, shaving mirrors, reflectors in telescopes |
| Reflection | The light rays diverge, or spread out, after reflecting off the mirror | The light rays converge, or come together, after reflecting off the mirror |
| Focus | The focus point is behind the mirror | The focus point is in front of the mirror |