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Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Convex and Concave Mirror

convex vs concave mirrorMirror refers to any smooth polished or shining surface, that can reflect the light beam and form images. It can be of two types, i.e. plane mirror and a spherical mirror. The mirror whose reflecting surface is flat is a plane mirror whereas a mirror with the curved reflecting surface is termed as a spherical mirror. A spherical mirror is of two types, i.e. convex mirror and a concave mirror. A convex mirror has a reflecting surface that bulges outside.

On the contrary, in a concave mirror, the reflecting surface bulges inwards.

The main difference between a convex and concave mirror lies in the image formed by the two mirrors, i.e. while convex mirror forms diminished image, the concave mirror either forms an enlarged image or a diminished one, depending upon the position of the object.

Content: Convex Mirror Vs Concave Mirror

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonConvex MirrorConcave Mirror
MeaningConvex mirror implies the mirror whose reflecting surface is away from the center of curvature.Concave mirror refers to the mirror whose reflecting surface is towards the center of curvature.
ShapeConvex MirrorConcave Mirror
Center of curvatureLies behind the mirrorLies in front of the mirror
TypeDiverging mirrorConverging mirror
ImageVirtual image is formed.Real or virtual image is formed.
Used asRear view mirrors in cars and bikes.Reflectors in projectors, searchlights etc.

Definition of Convex Mirror

Convex Mirror or otherwise called as a diverging mirror, as the incident ray emerging from the same source (point), will reflect off and move in a different direction. Consequently, the light rays will not intersect on the object side of the mirror and form the virtual image of the real object.

Convex Mirror

It is a type of spherical mirror, wherein the reflective surface is curved outwards, i.e. the source of light. It forms a virtual image when after reflecting from the mirror, the ray of light meets at a definite point. The image formed is erect, and diminished in size, concerning the object.

Look at the table, to understand the position and relative size of the image, formed by the convex mirror:

Position of the objectPosition of the imageImage SizeNature of Image
At infinityAt the focus (F), behind the mirrorHighly diminished, point sizedVirtual and erect
Between infinity and the pole (P)Between P and F, behind the mirrorDiminishedVirtual and erect

These mirrors are used as rearview mirrors in cars or motorbikes, ATMs, hallways of schools, hospitals, stores, etc., to help the people view, what’s happening behind them.

Definition of Concave Mirror

The concave mirror is the converging mirrors, due to the fact that when parallel incident rays fall on the surface of the mirror, the rays will reflect and meet at a particular point, i.e. focal point. Its shape is identical to a spoon. The reflecting surface of a concave mirror bent inward to focus, i.e. away from the light source. When the light is bounced by the curve up to a particular area, they form an image.

Concave Mirror

It can reflect images in two ways:

  • When the object is closer to the mirror, the image formed will appear larger and right side up, i.e. a virtual image is formed.
  • When the object is farther away to the mirror, the image formed will appear small, and upside down, i.e. a real image is formed.

Look at the table below, to understand the image formation for various positions of object:

Position of the ObjectPosition of the ImageImage sizeNature of Image
At infinityAt the focus Highly diminished, point sizedReal and inverted
Beyond CBetween F and CDiminishedReal and inverted
At CAt CSame sizeReal and inverted
Between C and FBeyond CEnlargedReal and inverted
At FAt infinityHighly enlargedReal and inverted
Between P and FBehind the mirrorEnlargedVirtual and erect

These mirrors are used as reflectors in the headlights of the cars, searchlights, projectors, etc. They are also used by dentists, or as shaving mirrors.

Key Differences Between Convex and Concave Mirror

The difference between convex and concave mirror is explained hereunder:

  1. The type of spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is bulged outwards, in the sense that its face is opposite to the centre of the sphere is known as a convex mirror. A curved mirror whose reflecting surface is bent inwards, i.e. it faces towards the centre of the sphere is called a concave mirror.
  2. The focal point of the convex mirror lies behind the mirror, wheres in the case of concave mirror the focal point lies in front of the mirror.
  3. Convex mirror is also called as a diverging mirror as the light beam arising from the same source will reflect and diverge. As against, a concave mirror is a converging mirror, as when a parallel light beam falls on the mirror, they reflect and converge at a point.
  4. The image formed by a convex mirror is a virtual image, while concave mirror forms a real or virtual image, depending on the position of the object.
  5. Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors in cars, to enable the driver to see the traffic behind him. On the contrary, concave mirrors are used in torches and vehicle headlights.

Conclusion

By and large, convex and concave mirrors are the two types of spherical mirrors with many uses which is not possible with a plane mirror. The two mirrors are diametrically opposite to one another and produce different images at different positions.

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Comments

  1. Hannah Switzer says

    November 18, 2019 at 4:45 am

    This was very helpful, and i am very happy that i found this website. Extremely helpful with all of the diagrams too! Definitely two thumbs up!!!

    Reply
  2. Pushpa says

    January 19, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    Very useful and apt explaination

    Reply
  3. Albert says

    January 26, 2020 at 8:30 am

    I didn’t really understand this topic, but this website explained everything so well and it was just phenomenal.

    Reply
  4. gabrieriell says

    February 9, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    this is a very helpful website.

    Reply
  5. Rakhi says

    March 1, 2021 at 11:01 pm

    Very nice site.It clearly explains the difference.Helped me a lot.

    Reply

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