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🪞Convex mirror vs Concave mirror🔆

Curved mirrors reflect light differently than flat ones. Whether the surface bulges out or curves in changes the image entirely.

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🪞Convex mirror
  • Reflecting surface bulges outward
  • Spreads reflected light rays apart
  • Always forms a small, upright virtual image
  • Gives a wide field of view
  • Used in car side mirrors and security mirrors
🔆Concave mirror
  • Reflecting surface curves inward
  • Converges reflected light rays to a focal point
  • Can form real or virtual, magnified or reduced images
  • Used in telescopes, headlights and shaving mirrors
  • The image depends on the object's distance

Verdict

A convex mirror spreads light and shows a wide, shrunken view, ideal for safety. A concave mirror focuses light and can magnify, which makes it useful in telescopes and headlights.

Frequently asked

Why do cars use convex side mirrors?+

Convex mirrors give a wide field of view, helping drivers see more of the road behind them.

Which mirror can magnify your face?+

A concave mirror produces a magnified, upright image when you are close to it.

Which mirror focuses light to a point?+

A concave mirror converges parallel light rays to a focal point.

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