Difference Between Concave Mirror and Convex Mirror

The main difference between concave and convex mirror is that concave mirror has reflecting surface curved inwards while convex mirror has reflecting surface curved outward. Apart from this, the other main difference is that concave mirror is converging while convex mirror is diverging.

In this article, we will learn in detail about difference between concave and convex mirror with a brief description about concave and convex mirror.

What is a Convex Mirror?

A Convex Mirror can be defined as a spherical mirror whose reflective surface is curved outward, like the exterior of a sphere. The reflection takes from the outer part of the sphere and its back side is usually coated.

When an object is placed in front of a convex mirror, light rays from the object strike the mirror’s surface and reflect off in various directions. This reflection creates an image behind the mirror, known as a virtual image.

Properties of Convex Mirror

• Convex Mirrors are curved outward, meaning the reflective surface bows away from the observer.
• These Mirrors Diverge Light and, hence, are known as diverging mirrors.
• Convex mirrors always produce virtual, reduced and upright images.
• Convex mirrors provide a wider field of view when compared with flat or concave mirrors.
• Magnification is always positive.

Applications of Convex Mirror

• Used as Rear-view Mirrors: As convex mirrors give a wider field of view, they are used as rear-view mirrors enabling drivers to see large areas behind their vehicle and reducing blind spots.

• Used as Dental Mirrors: Convex Mirrors are used in dental mirrors to help dentists view and access hard-to-reach areas in the mouth during dental examination and treatment.

• Used as Street Light Reflectors: Convex Mirrors are used as Street light reflectors to redistribute light over a wider area.

• Convex mirrors are used for security purposes in ATMs.

What is a Concave mirror?

A concave mirror can be defined as a reflective surface that is curved inward, like the interior of a sphere. The reflection takes from the inner part of the sphere. When we place an object in front of a concave mirror, based on the position of the object from the mirror, we may get real or virtual images.

While convex mirrors can’t focus light, concave mirrors can focus light because of which they are valuable in many optical systems.

Properties of Concave Mirror

• Concave Mirrors are curved inward, meaning the reflective surface bows towards the observer.
• These mirrors converge in light (parallel rays of light come together). So they are called as Converging Mirrors.
• Image can be either real or virtual depending on the position of the object.
• Concave Mirrors have a narrower field of view.
• Magnification may be positive or negative.

Applications of Concave Mirror

• Used in Torch Light: Concave mirrors are used in torchlights to reflect and concentrate beams of light. By focusing light beams, these mirrors enhance the beam’s brightness and intensity, making it suitable for illumination.

• Used in Reflecting Telescopes: Concave mirrors are generally used in telescopes such as Newtonian telescopes to gather and focus light from different celestial objects which in turn help in producing high-quality images of stars and other galaxies.

• Used as Makeup/Shaving Mirrors: These are designed to enlarge users’ reflections and increase lighting, making it easier to look at minute details and work with precision.

• Used as Solar Concentrators: Concave mirrors are used in solar concentrators to focus solar radiation at one point, which can be used for generating electricity or heating fluids in industries.

Differences between Concave and Convex Mirror

We will now see the differences between concave mirrors and convex mirrors in a tabular format.

Feature	Concave Mirror	Convex Mirror
Shape	Curved Inwards	Curved Outwards
Focal Point	Towards Focal Point	Away from the focal point
Reflecting Coating	On the inner surface	On the outer surface
Images	Images can be formed in front of or behind the mirror.	Always images are formed behind the mirror.
Image Position	Depends on where the object is placed.	Does not depend on where the object is placed.
Image Size	Both Magnified and Diminished images can be produced.	Always produces diminished images.
Field of View	Narrow field of view.	Wider field of view
Focal Length	Positive	Negative
Focus	Converging	Diverging
Principal Focus	Real, lies in front of the mirror	Virtual, Behind the Mirror.
The type of images formed	Both real and inverted as well as virtual and erect images.	Virtual, reduced, upright images.
Magnification	May be positive or negative.	Always Positive
Light-Focus	Can focus light.	Can’t focus light.
Applications	Used in Torchlights, Reflecting Telescopes, Makeup Mirrors, Solar Concentrators etc..	Used as Rear view mirrors, Dental mirrors, Street light reflectors, Sunglasses, Headlights Flashlights etc.

These are the key differences between convex and concave mirrors.

FAQs on Difference Between Concave Mirror and Convex Mirror

What is a concave mirror?

A concave mirror can be defined as a reflective surface that is curved inward, like the interior of a sphere.

What are some characteristics of images formed by convex mirrors?

Images formed by convex mirrors are always virtual, erect and upright.

Which mirror is used in Street Lights?

A Convex Mirror is used because it redistributes light over wide area.

In what situations are real images formed by concave mirrors useful?

Real images formed by concave mirrors useful in several practical situations including Telescopes, Medical imaging, Solar Concentrators.

What is the difference between a concave mirror and a convex mirror?

Concave mirrors have a inner reflective surface, where as convex mirrors have a outer reflective surface.

When will concave mirrors form virtual images?

Concave mirrors form virtual images when the object is within the Focus.