Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirrors in Tabular Form

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The main difference between concave and convex mirrors is that concave mirrors are curved inward and convex mirrors are curved outward. In other words, concave mirrors are converging mirrors and convex mirrors are diverging mirrors. The other significant difference between them is that concave mirrors are reflective on the inner surface. Convex mirrors, on the other side, are reflective on the outer surface.

Mirrors are essential optical devices that play a crucial role in our daily lives. They are widely used in various applications, from personal grooming to scientific experiments. Among the different types of mirrors, concave and convex mirrors are two commonly used variants with distinct optical properties.

In this article, I am going to outline some of the most important distinctions between these two types of mirrors in a tabular form. In fact, understanding these differences can deepen your knowledge of how these mirrors function and their practical applications. So without wasting any more time, let’s dive right in…!!!

 

Concave Mirrors vs Convex Mirrors

 Concave MirrorsConvex Mirrors
1.Concave mirrors are curved inward.Convex mirrors are curved outward.
2.These mirrors are reflecting on the inner surface.These mirrors are reflective on the outer surface.
3.The focal point is real and in front of the mirror.The focal point is virtual and behind the mirror.
4.The focal length is positive.The focal length is negative.
5.Concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images.Convex mirrors always produces virtual images.
6.The orientation of the image is upside down i.e. inverted.The orientation of the image is always the same i.e. upright.
7.The image produced can be larger, smaller, or the same size as the object.The image produced is always reduced in size.
8.Concave mirrors have a wider field of view.Convex mirrors have a narrower field of view.
9.Concave mirrors gather and focus incoming light.Convex mirrors spreads out incoming light.
10.Examples of concave mirrors include Parabolic telescope mirrors, shaving mirrors, etc.Examples of convex mirrors include Side mirrors on vehicles, security mirrors in stores, etc.

 

10 Differences Between Concave and Convex Mirrors:

  1. Shape: Concave mirrors have a curved inward shape, while convex mirrors have a curved outward shape.
  2. Reflecting Surface: The reflecting surface of a concave mirror is on the inner side of the curved glass, whereas for convex mirrors, it is on the outer side.
  3. Focal Point: Concave mirrors have a real focal point located in front of the mirror, while convex mirrors have a virtual focal point located behind the mirror.
  4. Focal Length: Concave mirrors have a positive focal length, which means they converge incoming light rays. Conversely, convex mirrors have a negative focal length, resulting in the divergence of light rays.
  5. Image Formation: Concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images, whereas convex mirrors can only create virtual images.
  6. Image Orientation: Concave mirrors form inverted images, while convex mirrors form upright images.
  7. Image Size: Concave mirrors can produce enlarged or reduced images, depending on the object’s position relative to the mirror. Convex mirrors create smaller images.
  8. Field of View: Concave mirrors have a larger field of view, making them suitable for applications where a wide view is needed. Convex mirrors have a smaller field of view but offer a wider area of vision.
  9. Light Gathering Ability: Concave mirrors gather and focus incoming light, making them suitable for optical applications. Convex mirrors, on the other hand, spread out incoming light, allowing them to provide a wider field of view.
  10. Real-World Examples: Notable examples of concave mirrors include parabolic telescope mirrors and shaving mirrors. Convex mirrors can be found as side mirrors on vehicles and in security mirrors commonly seen in stores.

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I am a mechanical engineer by profession. Just because of my love for fundamental physics, I switched my career, and therefore I did my postgraduate degree in physics. Right now I am a loner (as ever) and a Physics blogger too. My sole future goal is to do a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, especially in the field of cosmology. Because in my view, every aspect of physics comes within the range of cosmology. And I love traveling, especially the Sole one.

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