In terms of type, what is the difference between a concave or convex mirror?

Concave mirrors are converging mirrors, whereas convex mirrors are diverging.

In terms of physical appearance, what is the difference between concave and convex mirrors?

A concave mirror is created when the outer surface of a spherical mirror is painted whereas A convex mirror has the inside surface of a spherical mirror painted.

In terms of focal length what is the difference between concave and convex mirrors?

The focal length of the concave mirror is negative because the focus is on the front side, but the focal length of the convex mirror is positive because the focus is on the backside.

What are a concave and a convex mirror?

Concave and convex mirrors are the types of spherical mirrors. Concave mirrors have an inward curvature in the centre and reflect light inward to focus it on a single focal point. Concave mirrors provide a variety of images depending on the distance between the mirror and the item. Convex mirrors have an outward bulge in the center that allows light to fall directly on the item. It's also known as a diverging mirror since it can diverge the rays that fall on its surface after reflection. This is a reference to the fact that parallel rays diverge when they touch the reflected surface of a convex mirror.

What is the full form of MIRROR?

Full form of MIRROR - Image Reflection Refraction Object Rendering

Which mirror is used in vehicles?

Convex mirrors are used in vehicles as rear-view mirrors.

Which mirror is used for shaving?

Concave mirrors are used for shaving because they magnify the reflection, providing clear and upright images to see the facial details.

How does a concave mirror form a real image?

A concave mirror forms a real image when the object is beyond the focal point. Light rays from the object reflect off the mirror and converge at a point in front of the mirror. This convergence point is where the real image forms, and it can be projected onto a screen.

Can a concave mirror be used to start a fire? If so, how?

Yes, a concave mirror can be used to start a fire. By positioning the mirror to focus sunlight at its focal point, it concentrates the sun's rays into a small, intense spot. If this spot is directed onto combustible material, the concentrated heat can ignite it. This principle is the basis for solar furnaces and some survival techniques.

How does the position of an object affect the image formed by a concave mirror?

The image formed by a concave mirror changes based on the object's position:

Why do dentists use concave mirrors?

Dentists use concave mirrors because they can produce magnified, upright images when objects (like teeth) are placed close to the mirror surface. This magnification helps dentists see small details in patients' mouths more clearly, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.

Can a concave mirror ever produce a virtual image?

Yes, a concave mirror can produce a virtual image when an object is placed between the focal point and the mirror surface. In this case, the reflected rays diverge, creating an upright, enlarged virtual image behind the mirror.

How do convex mirrors help with blind spots in vehicles?

Convex mirrors help with blind spots by providing a wider field of view than flat mirrors. The convex shape causes light to diverge, allowing drivers to see a larger area behind and to the sides of their vehicle, albeit with some distortion and reduced apparent size of objects.

How does the concept of virtual focus apply to convex mirrors?

The virtual focus of a convex mirror is a point behind the mirror where reflected light rays appear to diverge from, but don't actually pass through. It's called "virtual" because the light rays don't actually meet at this point. The virtual focus is always located at half the radius of curvature behind the mirror surface and helps explain why convex mirrors always form virtual, reduced images.

Why does a convex mirror always form an image smaller than the object?

A convex mirror always forms an image smaller than the object because it causes light rays to diverge upon reflection. This divergence makes the reflected rays appear to come from a point closer to the mirror than the actual object, resulting in a virtual image that is always reduced in size, regardless of the object's distance from the mirror.

How do concave and convex mirrors differ in their ability to correct vision problems?

Concave and convex mirrors themselves are not used to correct vision problems. However, their principles are applied in corrective lenses:

What is the main difference between concave and convex mirrors?

The main difference lies in their shape and how they reflect light. A concave mirror curves inward like the inside of a bowl, focusing light to a point. A convex mirror bulges outward like the outside of a ball, spreading light out. This difference in shape leads to distinct image formation and applications for each type of mirror.

Why do convex mirrors always produce virtual images?

Convex mirrors always produce virtual images because the reflected light rays diverge after hitting the mirror surface. These diverging rays never actually meet in front of the mirror, but appear to come from a point behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.

What is the focal length of a mirror and how does it differ for concave and convex mirrors?

The focal length is the distance from the mirror's surface to its focal point. For a concave mirror, the focal length is positive and in front of the mirror. For a convex mirror, the focal length is negative and behind the mirror. This difference affects how each mirror forms images.

Why are convex mirrors often used as security mirrors in stores?

Convex mirrors are used as security mirrors because they provide a wider field of view than flat mirrors. The diverging effect of the convex surface allows a larger area to be visible in a smaller mirror, making it easier to monitor a wide space from a single point.

Can you explain why a convex mirror always produces an upright image?

A convex mirror always produces an upright image because the diverging light rays maintain their relative positions after reflection. The top of the object reflects to the top of the image, and the bottom to the bottom, preserving the orientation and resulting in an upright image.

How does the shape of a concave mirror affect light reflection?

A concave mirror's inward curve causes parallel light rays to converge at a single point called the focal point. This focusing effect is why concave mirrors can form real images and are often used in applications requiring concentrated light, such as telescopes or car headlights.

Why do some shaving mirrors use concave surfaces?

Shaving mirrors often use concave surfaces because when your face is close to the mirror (between the focal point and the mirror surface), it produces an enlarged, upright virtual image. This magnification allows for a more detailed view of the face, making it easier to see small hairs and perform precise grooming.

How does the image in a spoon's reflective surface relate to concave and convex mirrors?

A spoon's reflective surface demonstrates both concave and convex mirrors:

How does the radius of curvature affect the focal length of a spherical mirror?

The radius of curvature (R) is twice the focal length (f) for both concave and convex mirrors. This relationship is expressed as f = R/2. A smaller radius of curvature results in a shorter focal length, making the mirror more strongly curved and affecting how it forms images.

How does the sign convention differ for concave and convex mirrors in ray diagrams?

In the sign convention for mirrors:

What is the difference in magnification between concave and convex mirrors?

Concave mirrors can produce both enlarged and reduced images depending on the object's position. They can magnify objects when placed close to the mirror. Convex mirrors always produce reduced images, making objects appear smaller than they actually are, regardless of the object's position.

How do concave mirrors create real images, and why can't convex mirrors do the same?

Concave mirrors can create real images because they cause parallel light rays to converge to a focal point in front of the mirror. When an object is placed beyond the focal point, the reflected rays actually intersect in front of the mirror, forming a real image that can be projected onto a screen. Convex mirrors, on the other hand, always cause light rays to diverge upon reflection. These diverging rays never intersect in front of the mirror, so they can only form virtual images behind the mirror, which cannot be projected onto a screen.

What is the difference in the nature of images formed by concave and convex mirrors?

Concave mirrors can form both real and virtual images, depending on the object's position. Real images are inverted and can be projected on a screen. Convex mirrors always form virtual, upright images that appear smaller and cannot be projected on a screen.

Can you explain the concept of "infinite focal length" in relation to plane mirrors?

A plane mirror can be thought of as either a concave or convex mirror with an infinite radius of curvature. As the focal length is half the radius of curvature, a plane mirror effectively has an infinite focal length. This means parallel rays remain parallel after reflection, neither converging (as with concave mirrors) nor diverging (as with convex mirrors).

What is the relationship between the focal length and the radius of curvature for both concave and convex mirrors?

For both concave and convex mirrors, the focal length (f) is equal to half the radius of curvature (R). This relationship is expressed mathematically as f = R/2. The key difference is that for concave mirrors, both f and R are positive values, while for convex mirrors, they are both negative values. This convention helps in calculations and ray diagrams, indicating that the focal point and center of curvature are behind the mirror for convex mirrors.

How does the magnification of an image change as an object moves closer to a concave mirror?

As an object moves closer to a concave mirror, the magnification changes as follows:

Why are convex mirrors preferred for use as side-view mirrors on vehicles?

Convex mirrors are preferred for side-view mirrors on vehicles for several reasons:

Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror

Physics
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror

Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror

Q: What are the 3 main differences between a convex and concave mirror?

The following are the three differences between concave and convex mirrors: A concave mirror is a spherical mirror with an inwardly curved reflection surface, whereas a convex mirror is a spherical mirror with an outwardly bulged reflecting surface. A concave mirror has a converging character and is so-referred to as a converging mirror, whereas a convex mirror has a diverging nature and is thus referred to as a diverging mirror. The focal length of the concave mirror is negative and the focal length of the convex mirror is positive.

Vishal kumarUpdated on 09 Sep 2025, 08:40 AM IST

Mirrors are smooth and shiny surfaces that form images by reflecting light. They are mainly of two types plane mirrors and spherical mirrors. Spherical mirrors are further divided into concave mirrors and convex mirrors. A concave mirror curves inward like a spoon and can form real or virtual images, while a convex mirror bulges outward and always forms a virtual, smaller image. Knowing the difference between concave and convex mirrors is very important for exams.

This Story also Contains

Difference between Convex and Concave Mirrors
Definition Of Convex Mirror
Definition Of Concave Mirror
Surface Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirrors
Difference Between Concave Mirror And Convex Mirror
Uses of Concave and Convex Mirror
Summary

Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror

Difference between Convex and Concave Mirrors

From the figure you can see that convex mirrors have an outwardly bulging reflecting surface and concave mirrors have an inwardly bulging reflecting surface. The image that forms in these two mirrors is the most significant distinction. To put it another way, convex mirrors create smaller pictures, whereas concave mirrors create larger ones.

Definition Of Convex Mirror

Convex mirror: A spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is bulging (or curved) outwards, opposite to the centre of the sphere is called convex mirror.

A convex mirror is a reflective surface that bulges outward, causing light rays to diverge after reflecting on the surface. Convex mirrors always produce virtual images that are upright, reduced in size, and appear to be located behind the mirror. They are used in applications such as vehicle side mirrors and surveillance mirrors because they provide a wider field of view.

Difference%20Between%20Concave%20and%20Convex%20Mirror-%20(Inline%201)

Definition Of Concave Mirror

Concave mirror : A spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved inwards, facing towards the centre of the sphere is called concave mirror.

A concave mirror is a mirror with a curved surface that curves inward, resembling a bowl. It reflects incoming light rays that strike its surface inward, converging them to a focal point in front of the mirror. Concave mirrors produce inverted and magnified real images when the object is placed beyond the focal length. If the object is within the focal length, the image produced will be virtual, upright, and enlarged. Concave mirrors are used in applications like astronomical telescopes, headlights, and cosmetic mirrors.

Difference%20Between%20Concave%20and%20Convex%20Mirror-%20(Inline%202)

Surface Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirrors

A mirror with a curved reflecting surface is known as a curved mirror. Convex (bulging outward) or concave (bulging inward) surfaces are possible. The surfaces of most curved mirrors are formed like a section of a sphere. Below, students can check the surface difference between concave and convex mirrors with a diagram:

Concave Mirror

The surface curves inward, resembling a bowl.
Light rays converge at a focal point
Have a positive focal length, with the focal point located in front of the mirror.
Used in applications requiring magnification

Difference%20Between%20Concave%20and%20Convex%20Mirror-%20(Inline%203)

Convex Mirror

The surface is bulging outward
It causes light rays to spread apart
The focal point is located behind the mirror
Have a negative focal length
Used in applications requiring a broader view

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.

Download E-book

Difference%20Between%20Concave%20and%20Convex%20Mirror-%20(Inline%204)

Also read

Difference Between Concave Mirror And Convex Mirror

The difference between a concave mirror and a convex mirror is tabulated below:

S.I No	Feature	Concave Mirrors	Convex Mirrors
1	Shape	• Has a curved surface that curves inward	• Has a curved surface that bulges outward
2	Focal Point	• Has a real focal point in front of the mirror	• Has a virtual focal point behind the mirror
3	Nature of mirror	• Diverging Mirror	• Converging Mirror
4	Image creation	• Creates enlarged images	• Creates diminishes images
5	Centre of curvature	• In front of the mirror	• Behind the mirror
6	Image size	• Magnified	• Shrunk
7	Field of view	• Provides a narrower field of view	• Provides a wider view of the field
8	Focal length	• Positive focal length	• Negative Focal length
9	Image	• Produce real images or virtual images depending on the object's position relative to the focal point	• Produce virtual images (small and upright) regardless of the object's distance
10	Uses	• Used in telescopes, headlights, makeup mirrors, and dental instruments	• Used in vehicle side mirrors, road safety mirrors, security mirrors, and traffic mirrors
11	Projection of image	• Images can be projected on the screen	• Virtual images formed cannot be projected on the screen

Related Topics Link,

Uses of Concave and Convex Mirror

Uses of a Concave Mirror

Used in shaving/makeup mirrors.
In headlights and torches.
Used by dentists to see an enlarged image of teeth.
In solar cookers.
In telescopes and microscopes for image formation.

Uses of Convex Mirror

Used in rear-view mirrors of vehicles (gives wide field of view).
Placed at road intersections and parking areas for safety.
Used in ATM and surveillance cameras for monitoring.
In shops and hospitals for wide-area observation.
Used in street-light reflectors.

Summary

In this article, we discussed two types of mirrors, their uses, and the differences between them. A concave mirror is a spherical mirror with an inwardly curved reflection surface, whereas a convex mirror is a spherical mirror with an outwardly bulged reflecting surface. A concave mirror has a converging character and is referred to as a converging mirror, whereas a convex mirror has a diverging nature and is thus referred to as a diverging mirror. The focal length of the concave mirror is negative, and the focal length of the convex mirror is positive. A concave mirror's magnification might be less than, equal to, or greater than 1. A convex mirror, on the other hand, has a value of magnification that is less than 1.

Also, check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the position of the center of curvature relate to image formation in concave and convex mirrors?

For concave mirrors:

Q: Why are convex mirrors often used in indoor corridors and shop corners?

Convex mirrors are used in these locations because:

Q: How do concave and convex mirrors affect the apparent distance of objects?

Concave mirrors:

Q: What is the difference between a parabolic mirror and a spherical concave mirror?

While both are concave, they differ in shape and performance:

Q: How does the image formation in a concave mirror differ when the object is placed at the center of curvature versus at the focal point?

When an object is placed at the center of curvature of a concave mirror:

Q: How does the radius of curvature affect the image formation in concave and convex mirrors?

For both concave and convex mirrors, a smaller radius of curvature (more curved surface) results in:

Q: Why does a concave mirror form an inverted image in some cases and an upright image in others?

A concave mirror forms an inverted image when the object is beyond the focal point. In this case, the reflected rays cross before reaching the observer's eye, inverting the image.

Q: How do concave and convex mirrors differ in their ability to collect light from a wide area?

Concave mirrors are better at collecting light from a wide area because they focus incoming parallel rays to a single point (the focal point). This makes them ideal for applications like telescopes and solar collectors.

Q: What is the significance of the principal axis in both concave and convex mirrors?

The principal axis is an imaginary line perpendicular to the mirror surface passing through the center of curvature. Its significance for both types of mirrors includes:

Q: Can you explain why a convex mirror is described as diverging while a concave mirror is described as converging?

A convex mirror is described as diverging because when parallel light rays strike its surface, they reflect in a way that spreads out or diverges. This divergence causes the reflected rays to appear as if they're coming from a point behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.

Articles

Tamil Nadu BSc Nursing Admission 2025: Counselling (Started), Seat Matrix, Merit List

Sep 12, 2025

DU LLB Fee Structure 2026 - Check Complete Details

Sep 11, 2025

Top 5 Career Options after B.Arch - Eligibility, Salary Trends

Sep 11, 2025

Top 6 Career Options after BAF - Eligibility, Salary

Sep 06, 2025