5 difference between concave and convex mirror
Introduction:
Concave and convex mirrors are two types of curved mirrors that have distinct properties and applications. Understanding the differences between these mirrors is important in order to comprehend their individual characteristics and uses. Below are the five key differences between concave and convex mirrors.
1. Shape:
- Concave Mirror: A concave mirror is a mirror with a surface that curves inward, resembling the inner surface of a hollow sphere. The reflective surface of a concave mirror is on the inner side.
- Convex Mirror: A convex mirror is a mirror with a surface that curves outward, resembling the outer surface of a sphere. The reflective surface of a convex mirror is on the outer side.
2. Focal Point and Image Formation:
- Concave Mirror: A concave mirror converges the incident light rays and has a focal point. The focal point is located in front of the mirror, and the distance between the mirror's surface and the focal point is called the focal length. When an object is placed beyond the focal point, an inverted real image is formed between the focal point and the mirror. When the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, an upright and magnified virtual image is formed.
- Convex Mirror: A convex mirror diverges the incident light rays and does not have a focal point. The reflected rays appear to originate from a virtual focal point that is located behind the mirror. The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, upright, and diminished.
3. Field of View:
- Concave Mirror: A concave mirror has a limited field of view. It can only reflect light from a small area in front of the mirror.
- Convex Mirror: A convex mirror has a wide field of view. It can reflect light from a larger area compared to a concave mirror.
4. Magnification:
- Concave Mirror: A concave mirror can produce both magnified and reduced images, depending on the object's distance from the mirror. When the object is located beyond the focal point, a magnified real image is formed. When the object is located between the focal point and the mirror, a virtual image is formed, which is magnified and upright.
- Convex Mirror: A convex mirror always produces a diminished image, regardless of the object's position or distance from the mirror. The image formed is smaller compared to the actual object.
5. Uses:
- Concave Mirror: Concave mirrors are commonly used in reflecting telescopes, satellite dishes, and makeup mirrors. They are also used in automotive headlights to provide a wide field of view.
- Convex Mirror: Convex mirrors are widely used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles. They provide a wider field of view, allowing drivers to see a larger area behind them. Convex mirrors are also used in security surveillance systems and in certain types of magnifying glasses.
Conclusion:
Concave and convex mirrors differ in shape, focal point, image formation, field of view, magnification, and uses. While concave mirrors converge light and have a focal point, convex mirrors diverge light and do not have a focal point. Concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images, while convex mirrors always produce virtual images. Concave mirrors have a limited field of view, whereas convex mirrors have a wide field of view. Both mirrors have
5 difference between concave and convex mirror
Difference between Concave and Convex Lens
Concave Lens
Convex Lens
A concave lens is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges.
A convex lens is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges.
It is also known as Diverging Lens
It is also known as Converging Lens
Used in Glasses, some telescopes, spy holes in doors, etc. It is also used for the correction of problem in short sight
Used in camera, focus sunlight, overhead projector, projector microscope, simple telescope, magnifying glasses, etc. It is also used for the correction of problem in long sight.
Negative Focal Length
Positive Focal Length
It diverges the incident rays away from the principal axis.
It converges the incident rays towards the principal axis.
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