Hello, friends welcome to a new post in this post we will have a detailed look at Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror. Such a surface or plan that has a smooth or shined surface area and when light fall on it will be reflected and creates an image called a mirror. Generally 2 main types of mirrors according to structure first one is spherical and the second one is plane.
Such a mirror has a smooth reflection portion called a plane mirror while another has a curved reflection portion called a spherical mirror. In this post, we will cover the key difference between concave and convex mirrors in detail. In a convex mirror, the reflection area is moved toward the outer side, and in a concave mirror, the opposite occurs. so let’s get started.
Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror
What is Convex Mirror
- The convex mirror also called curved mirror is a type of mirror that has a reflecting portion bend inward.
- It features are that it reflects the light towards the outer and due to this cause not preferred for light focusing.
- It creates a virtual image since the focus and center of curvature of this mirror are not real points in the mirror.
- So in the results images created by the convex mirror will get at the screen.
- The image created by this mirror is small in size than the object used size of the image can be increased if we move the object toward the mirror.
Use of Convex Mirror
- The very common use of this mirror is a vehicle side mirror.
- It is employed in vehicles due to a clear image of vehicles coming.
- It is also used in high buildings such as hospitals, hotels, stores, etc.
What is a concave mirror?
- The concave mirror is known as a converging mirror and it has a reflection plane or moved plane. It has a feature to do a reflection of light at a single point called a focal point. They has the ability to do focusing the light. It makes different types of images of objects according to the distance between the mirror and body. Due to the collection of light rays colliding with it is called converting mirror nature.
Uses of Concave Mirror
- It used in different types of reflecting telescopes also used to offer images in magnified form during shaving.
- Such applications where light is focused it used like torches, headlamps spotlights.
- It is also used for the creation of optic cavities that are very significant for laser creation.
- For making magnified images there is the concave mirror is used in dental mirrors.
Concave vs Convex Mirror
| Property | Concave Mirror | Convex Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Curved inward | Curved outward |
| Focal point | Real | Virtual |
| Image | Real or Virtual | Virtual |
| Size of image | larger or smaller than the object | smaller than object |
| Magnification | greater or less than 1 | less than 1 |
| Field of view | Narrow field of view | Wide field of view |
| Uses | Headlights, telescopes, shaving mirrors | Rearview mirrors, makeup mirrors, security mirrors, |
| Reflective surface | Silvered or aluminum coated | Chrome or plastic coated |
| Reflection type | Converging | Diverging |
| Light focusing | Focuses light to a point | Spreads light out |
| Distance from object to mirror | The object must be within the focal point | The object can be at any distance |
| Distance from mirror to image | Image can be created in front or behind the mirror | Image is always made behind the mirror |
| Principle axis | Its axis Passes through the center of curvature and the focal point | Axil goes through the center of curvature and the center of the mirror |
How do concave mirrors work?
- If light rays hit the concave mirror they reflect and converge at a point known as a focal point. The distance between the focal point and the mirror is known as focal length.
- If the object is positioned beyond the focal point real inverted image is created between the mirror and the focal point. If the object is placed in the focal length virtual and upright image is created behind the mirror
Types of concave mirrors
- There are two main types of concave mirrors, parabolic mirrors, and spherical mirrors.
- Parabolic mirrors have a curve that follows the shape of a parabola, while spherical mirrors have a curve shape like a sphere
Applications of concave mirrors
- Reflecting telescopes: The large size mirror used in reflecting telescopes are concave
- Makeup mirrors:Different makeup mirrors are created with concave mirrors
- Headlights: The reflective surface in car headlight is concave to focus the light and increase visibility
How do convex mirrors work?
When light rays hit a convex mirror, they reflect and diverge away from each other. The point where the diverging rays appear to come from is called the virtual focal point. The distance between the mirror and the virtual focal point is the focal length.
Types of convex mirrors
Common types of convex mirrors are explained here
- Security mirrors: These mirrors are mostly used in stores and parking lots to provide wind angle view
- Rearview mirrors: The side mirrors on the car are convex for increasing the field of view
- Decorative mirrors: This mirror can be used as a decorative component in a room
Applications of convex mirrors
- Traffic mirrors: it mostly used at intersections and driveways to provide a wide-angle view of oncoming traffic.
- Photography: These mirrors are used to make interesting and distorted images.
- Optical illusions: These mirrors are used to make funhouse-style optical illusions.
Which mirror is better?
- There is no accurate answer to this question of the best choice between concave and convex mirror based on certain application. Concave mirrors are the best option for applications where precision and magnification are the main points like in telescopes and makeup mirrors.
- Convex mirrors are bused for wide-angle viewing applications, like security mirrors and rearview mirrors.
Tips for using concave and convex mirrors
- Choose the right mirror for the job: Consider a certain application and select the concave or convex mirror which is best for the task
- Position the mirror correctly: The position of the body relative to the mirror can affect the image created. Ensure that object is positioned at an accurate distance from the mirror for optimal imaging
- Be aware of distortion: Both concave and convex mirrors can make distorted images. So check the distortion and adjust the position of the mirror or object
- Keep the mirror clean: Dirt and smudges existing on the surface of the mirror can have an effect on the quality of the image generated. Keep the mirror clean and free of debris
So that is detailed about the Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror. I tried to cover each and every parameter related to these mirrors. If you have any further queries ask in the comments. Thanks for reading. Have a nice day.
I am considering purchasing a backlit mirror for my home. It’s cool to know that there is a type of mirror which is known as a converging mirror, featuring a concave shape with a reflection plane or a moved plane. It possesses the unique ability to reflect light at a specific point called the focal point, creating a focused and illuminated effect. Anyway, by acquiring a backlit mirror, I aim to add a stylish and functional element to my space, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the room.