Difference Between Concave And Convex Mirror With Examples (2024)

Difference Between Concave And Convex Mirror With Examples (1)

Table of Contents

Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror: In the pursuit of success in NEET, understanding the characteristics of Concave and Convex Mirrors is essential. These mirrors, with their unique reflective properties, hold significance in the field of optics, a crucial segment of the NEET physics syllabus.

Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror Overview

Here are some key points to give you precise information about the Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror.

  • Concave and Convex Mirrors belong to the category of spherical mirrors in Physics, distinguished by their reflecting surfaces within a hollow glass sphere.
  • Concave Mirrors possess a curved inward reflecting surface, earning the label ‘Converging Mirror.’
  • Convex Mirrors, in contrast, exhibit a reflective surface curved outward, classifying them as ‘Diverging Mirrors.’
  • The curvature of Concave and Convex Mirrors imparts distinct optical properties.
  • Concave Mirrors are renowned for converging light rays to a focal point, while Convex Mirrors are known for diverging light rays from a shared focal point.
  • Both types find widespread applications in various aspects of daily life, showcasing their versatility.

What is a Concave Mirror?

A concave mirror is like a shiny bowl that curves inward, and it can reflect light in a special way. Imagine a spoon or a makeup mirror that bends inward. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the inside surface is shiny. This shiny part is what we call the concave mirror. When light hits this mirror, it reflects in a way that can make objects look bigger, smaller, or even upside down, depending on where they are in relation to the mirror.

Concave mirrors are used in things like makeup mirrors to help people see themselves more clearly. They’re also used in telescopes to see faraway objects in space. So, in simple terms, a concave mirror is like a shiny, curved surface that reflects light in a cool and interesting way.

NEET Physics-Related Links
NEET Previous Year Question PapersNEET Sample Papers
NEET Physics NotesNEET Syllabus

Concave Mirrors Properties

Reflective Surface: The reflective surface of a concave mirror is on the inner, or concave, side of the curved surface.

Reflecting Light: Concave mirrors can converge parallel rays of light that strike their surface.

Focal Point: They have a real focal point where parallel rays converge after reflection.

Image Formation: Concave mirrors can form both real and virtual images, depending on the object’s position relative to the mirror.

Magnification: Concave mirrors can produce magnified images when the object is placed beyond the focal point.

Common Uses: Commonly used in applications requiring magnification, such as makeup mirrors and reflecting telescopes.

What is a Convex Mirror?

A convex mirror is like a curved, rounded mirror that bulges outward. Think of it like the outer surface of a ball. When you look at a convex mirror, the shiny part is on the outside, and it reflects light in a special way. Unlike flat or concave mirrors, convex mirrors make things appear smaller than they really are.

You might have seen convex mirrors in parking lots or on the side mirrors of cars. They’re used in these places because they can show a wider view of the surroundings. Even though objects in a convex mirror look smaller, they help drivers see more of what’s happening around them. So, in simple terms, a convex mirror is like a rounded mirror that makes things look a bit smaller but helps us see more!

Convex Mirrors Properties

Reflective Surface: The reflective surface of a convex mirror is on the outer, or convex, side of the curved surface.

Reflecting Light: Convex mirrors disperse parallel rays of light that strike their surface.

Focal Point: They have a virtual focal point where divergent rays appear to converge when extended backward.

Image Formation: Convex mirrors always form virtual images, and these images appear diminished and upright.

Magnification: Convex mirrors produce diminished images, making objects appear smaller than they are.

Common Uses: Widely used in applications requiring a wider field of view, such as in traffic safety mirrors and store surveillance systems.

Difference Between Concave And Convex Mirror With Examples (2)

Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror

Both are spherical mirrors but we talk about the concave mirror, which converges parallel light rays, forming both real and virtual images. On the other hand, a convex mirror diverges parallel light rays, forming only virtual and diminished images.

Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror
ParametersConcave MirrorConvex Mirror
Reflective SurfaceInner/Concave SideOuter/Convex Side
Reflecting LightConverges Parallel RaysDisperses Parallel Rays
Focal PointReal Focal PointVirtual Focal Point
Image FormationCan Form Real and Virtual ImagesForms Virtual, Diminished Images
MagnificationCan Produce Magnified ImagesProduces Diminished Images
Image OrientationInverted or UprightUpright
Image SizeVariable based on Object PositionAlways Diminished
Depth PerceptionEnhances Depth PerceptionReduces Depth Perception
Field of ViewLimited Field of ViewWider Field of View
Common UsesMakeup Mirrors, Reflecting TelescopesTraffic Safety Mirrors, Surveillance Systems

Convex Mirror Image Formation

A convex mirror forms virtual and erect images regardless of the object’s position, making it valuable for applications like wide-angle rearview car mirrors

Convex Mirror Image Formation
Object PositionImage PositionImage SizeImage Nature
At InfinityAt Focus (F)Highly DiminishedVirtual and Erect
Beyond C (Between F and C)Between F and CDiminishedVirtual and Erect
At C (Center of Curvature)At CSame SizeVirtual and Erect
Between C and FBeyond CMagnifiedVirtual and Erect
At F (Focus)At InfinityInfinitely LargeVirtual and Erect
Between F and MirrorBehind the MirrorVirtual and ErectVirtual and Erect
At Mirror (At Pole)No Image FormedNo Image FormedNo Image Formed

Concave Mirror Image Formation

Concave mirrors exhibit versatile image formation characteristics, producing both real and virtual images based on the object’s position, making them pivotal in optical devices and scientific applications.

Concave Mirror Image Formation
Object PositionImage PositionImage SizeImage Nature
At InfinityAt Focus (F)Highly DiminishedReal and Inverted
Beyond C (Between F and C)Between F and CDiminishedReal and Inverted
At C (Center of Curvature)At CSame SizeReal and Inverted
Between C and FBeyond CMagnifiedReal and Inverted
At F (Focus)At InfinityInfinitely LargeReal and Inverted
Between F and MirrorBeyond CMagnifiedVirtual and Erect
At Mirror (At Pole)No Image FormedNo Image FormedNo Image Formed

Concave Mirror Examples

Makeup Mirrors: Many makeup mirrors have a concave shape. This allows them to magnify the reflection, making it easier for individuals to see finer details while applying makeup. The curvature of the concave mirror helps in providing a close and clear view.

Dentist’s Mirror: Dentists often use concave mirrors to get a better view inside a patient’s mouth. The curvature of the mirror helps in focusing light and magnifying the area being examined, aiding in precision during dental procedures.

Convex Mirror Examples

Traffic Safety Mirrors: Convex mirrors are commonly used in traffic safety, especially at intersections, driveways, and parking lots. These mirrors, often positioned on poles or walls, provide a wide-angle view of the surrounding traffic. They help drivers see oncoming vehicles or pedestrians from different angles, reducing blind spots and enhancing overall safety.

Retail Store Surveillance: In retail stores, particularly in areas with hidden corners or multiple aisles, convex mirrors are employed for surveillance purposes. Placed strategically, these mirrors allow store staff to monitor a broader area, minimizing the risk of theft and enhancing overall security. The convex shape provides a wider field of view, making it easier to observe activities in the store.

Difference Between Related Links
Difference Between Mass and WeightDifference Between Real and Virtual Image
Difference Between Speed and VelocityDifference Between Scalar and Vector
Difference Between AC and DCDifference Between Violet and Purple
Difference Between Concave and Convex MirrorDifference Between Zener and Avalanche Breakdown
Difference Between Diffraction and InterferenceDifference Between AC and DC Motor
Difference between Heat and TemperatureDifference Between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching
Difference Between Longitudinal and Transverse WaveDifference between Power And Energy
Difference Between Resistance and ResistivityDifference Between Discovery and Invention
Difference between Two Stroke and Four StrokeDifference Between Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Difference Between Ammeter and VoltmeterDifference between Fuse and Circuit Breaker
Difference Between Reflection and RefractionDifference Between Atom And Molecule
Difference Between Stars and PlanetsDifference Between Density and Specific Gravity
Difference Between Voltage and CurrentDifference Between Resistance and Impedance
Difference Between Gravitation and GravityDifference Between Emission And Absorption Spectra

Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror FAQs

How do convex mirrors contribute to traffic safety?

Convex mirrors enhance traffic safety by providing a wider field of view at intersections, driveways, and parking lots. They help drivers see oncoming vehicles and pedestrians from different angles, reducing blind spots and improving overall awareness.

Why are convex mirrors commonly used in retail store surveillance?

Convex mirrors are employed in retail stores to enhance surveillance in areas with hidden corners or multiple aisles. Their outwardly curved shape allows for a broader field of view, aiding store staff in monitoring activities and improving overall security.

Can convex mirrors be used in home security applications?

Yes, convex mirrors can be used in home security to enhance visibility in areas with restricted sightlines. Placing convex mirrors strategically can help homeowners monitor spaces that are otherwise hard to see, contributing to improved security.

Do convex mirrors make objects appear larger or smaller?

Convex mirrors make objects appear smaller than they actually are. The outward curvature disperses light, creating a wider reflection that reduces the apparent size of objects observed in the mirror.

How do convex mirrors differ from concave mirrors in terms of application?

Convex mirrors are outwardly curved and commonly used for wide-angle views and security purposes, while concave mirrors are inwardly curved and find applications in magnification, focusing light, and optical systems like telescopes. The two mirror types exhibit distinct reflective properties based on their shapes.

Difference Between Concave And Convex Mirror With Examples (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6122

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.