Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror
The difference between concave and convex mirror is crucial to understand as the properties of both these mirrors are not properly understood by most of us. The difference between concave and convex mirrors is also one of the most commonly asked questions in the physics exams and in competitive exams. The differences between concave and convex mirror are listed below in a tabular form to help students assimilate the concept efficiently.
Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror
| Sl. No. | Differentiating Property | Concave Mirror | Convex Mirror |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meaning and Other Names | Concave means rounded or hollowed like the interior of a circle or sphereAlso called a converging mirror. | Convex means rounded or curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.Also called a fish eye or diverging mirror. |
| 2 | Structure | The mirror coating of the concave mirror is on the outside of the spherical surface.In concave mirrors, the centre of curvature and the reflecting surface fall on the same side of the mirror. | The mirror coating of the convex mirror is on the inside of the spherical surface.In convex mirrors, the centre of curvature and the reflecting surface fall on the opposite side of the mirror. |
| 3 | Position of the Focus | Focus lies in front of the mirror i.e. focal length, is positive. | The focus lies behind the mirror i.e. focal length is negative. |
| 4 | Image Properties | The image formed by a concave mirror is real, inverted and enlarged (except when the object is between P and F where the image is virtual, erect and enlarged). | The image formed by a convex mirror is virtual, erect and diminished. |
| 5 | Image Projection | An image can be projected on a screen as they are real. | Image cannot be projected on a screen as they are virtual. |
| 6 | Usage | They are used in reflecting telescopes, shaving mirrors, torchlights, etc. as they give a magnified image of the objects. | Convex mirrors are used as side view or rearview mirrors in vehicles as they cover a wider area of view. |
These were the main differences between convex mirror and concave mirror.
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