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 Mirrors
- It is used in different types of reflecting telescopes and also used to offer images in magnified form during shaving.
- Such applications where light is focused are used like torches, headlamps, and spotlights.
- It is also used for the creation of optical cavities that are very significant for laser creation.
- For making magnified images, the concave mirror is used in dental mirrors.
Common terms for spherical mirrors
Pole:
- It is the midpoint of the mirror. It is denoted with P and used for finding other parameters.
Aperture:
- A mirror aperture is the point where light is reflected. It defines mirror size.
Principal axis:
- The imaginary line passes in the optical center and through the center of curvature of the mirror.
Centre of Curvature:
- It is the central point of the mirror surface that moves through the curve of the mirror comes with the same tangent and is denoted with C.
Radius of Curvature:
- It is a linear distance between the pole and the center of curvature. Denoted with R
Principal Focus:
- It is also called the focal point and is denoted on the mirror axis where light rays are in parallel to the principal axis and converge or diverge after reflection.
How do you determine if a mirror is concave or convex?
- If the image is the size of our face, it means the mirror is a plane.
- If the mirror is magnified, it is a concave mirror, and if the mirror is diminished, it is a convex mirror.
What happens to your image when you stand in front of a concave mirror?
- Concave mirrors make real and virtual images that can be virtual or inverted and can be behind the mirror or in front of the mirror and can be enlarged, reduced, or have the same size as an object.
What does a convex mirror do?
- A convex mirror is from an image that is upright, virtual, and less than a real object. It is used as a rear and side view mirror of cars and security mirrors of buildings since they help to see a larger view than flat mirrors.
Which mirror is used by dentists?
- Dentists use concave mirrors for checking teeth and other parts of the mouth. A concave mirror makes a virtual, erect, and enlarged image when the body is in focus.
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So that is detailed about the difference between concave and convex mirrors. 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.