**Concave Mirror:**

A concave mirror, also known as a converging mirror, is a mirror with a surface that curves inward. It has a reflective surface on the inside of the curved part. The center of the mirror is thicker than the edges, causing the mirror to bulge inward. Concave mirrors are widely used in various optical devices, such as telescopes, microscopes, and makeup mirrors.

**Characteristics of a Concave Mirror:**

1. Focal Point: One of the key characteristics of a concave mirror is that it has a focal point. The focal point is the point at which parallel light rays, when reflected off the mirror, converge. The focal point is located on the principal axis, which is an imaginary line passing through the center of the mirror.

2. Real and Virtual Images: Concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images. Real images are formed when the object is placed beyond the focal point, and the reflected rays actually converge to form an image. Real images can be projected onto a screen. On the other hand, virtual images are formed when the object is placed between the mirror and the focal point. The reflected rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror, and the image cannot be projected onto a screen.

3. Magnification: Concave mirrors can magnify or reduce the size of an object. The magnification is determined by the distance of the object from the mirror and the focal length of the mirror. When the object is placed closer to the mirror than the focal length, the image is magnified. However, when the object is placed beyond the focal length, the image is reduced in size.

**Convex Mirror:**

A convex mirror, also known as a diverging mirror, is a mirror with a surface that curves outward. It has a reflective surface on the outside of the curved part. Unlike concave mirrors, the center of a convex mirror is thinner than the edges, causing the mirror to bulge outward. Convex mirrors are commonly used in rear-view mirrors of vehicles and security mirrors in stores.

**Characteristics of a Convex Mirror:**

1. Focal Point and Virtual Image: Unlike concave mirrors, convex mirrors do not have a focal point. Instead, they have a virtual focal point, which is the point from which the reflected rays appear to diverge. The virtual focal point is located behind the mirror, along the extension of the principal axis.

2. Virtual Images: Convex mirrors always produce virtual images, regardless of the object's position. Virtual images formed by convex mirrors are always smaller and upright.

3. Wide Field of View: Convex mirrors have a wide field of view, making them suitable for applications where a broader perspective is required. This is why they are commonly used in rear-view mirrors, as they allow drivers to see a larger area behind their vehicles.

**Conclusion:**

In summary, the main difference between concave and convex mirrors is in their curvature and the type of images they produce. Concave mirrors have a surface that curves inward and can produce both real and virtual images. They have a focal point and can magnify or reduce the size of an object. On the other hand, convex mirrors have a surface that curves outward and always produce virtual images. They have a virtual focal point, and their main advantage is providing a wide field of view. Understanding the characteristics and applications of concave and convex mirrors is essential in various

Concave mirror is known as converging mirror whereas convex mirrors are known as diverging mirror.
Concave mirrors are thinner at center and thicker at ends whereas convex mirrors are opposite