Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror

Concave and convex meaning: Smooth, polished, or gleaming surfaces are called mirrors. They produce images by reflecting the light beam. Plane and spherical mirrors are the two types of mirrors. Spherical mirrors are further divided into convex and concave mirrors. To grasp the difference between a concave and a convex mirror, it is necessary to first understand what they are. 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.

A mirror with a curved reflecting surface is known as a curved mirror. Convex (bulging outward) or concave (bulging inward) surfaces are possible (recessed inward). The surfaces of most curved mirrors are formed like a section of a sphere; however different shapes are occasionally utilized in optical equipment.

Concave and convex difference

Concave mirror: Concave mirrors are those with an inward curve in the centre that reflects light inward to focus it on a single focal point. Depending on the distance between the mirror and the object, concave mirrors produce several forms of pictures.

Convex mirror: Convex mirrors are those with an outward bulge in the center that allows light from the item to fall directly on it. This is a reference to the fact that when parallel rays strike the reflective surface of a convex mirror, the beams diverge.

Concave mirrors are commonly used as makeup mirrors, telescopes, automotive headlights, torches, and dental clinic mirrors because they produce a larger picture than the real size of the object. Convex mirrors, on the other hand, produce decreased images and are therefore mostly employed in rearview mirrors, sunglasses, and other similar applications.

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Difference between concave and convex mirror or concave vs convex

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The concave mirror's focus and centre of curvature are located in front of the mirror, whereas the convex mirror is located on the backside.
4. The focal length of the concave mirror is positive because the focus is on the front side, but the focal length of the convex mirror is negative because the focus is on the backside.
5. On a concave mirror, image projection on the screen is possible, however on a convex mirror; image projection on the screen is not possible.
6. 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 ‘m' that is less than 1.
7. A concave mirror creates an image that is often larger than the actual image, resulting in a magnified image. A convex mirror, on the other hand, provides an image that is generally smaller than the actual picture, giving the impression that the image is shrunk.

Differentiate between concave and convex mirror

The difference between concave mirror and convex mirror is listed below in the tabular form:

 Comparison Concave mirror Convex mirror Appearance A concave mirror is created when the outer surface of a spherical mirror is painted. A convex mirror has the inside surface of a spherical mirror painted. Also called Converging mirror Diverging mirror Design A concave mirror is either spherical or hollowed out. Concave refers to the shape of a circle's inside. A convex mirror is a curved, round mirror. Convex refers to the shape of a circle's outside. Reflecting surface Here, only the inner surface reflexes. Here, only the outer surface reflexes. Focal length The focal length is negative The focal length is positive. Nature of image Real and virtual. Only virtual. Use They give a magnified image of the objects and are used in reflecting telescopes, shaving mirrors, torch lights, and other similar devices. Convex mirrors are utilized in vehicles as a side or rearview mirror because they cover a larger region of vision.

The above table shows distinguish between concave and convex mirror or concave and convex mirror difference.

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