Question

What is the difference between concave and convex mirrors? Choose the correct statements?
(a) Convex mirror is curved outwards and the concave mirror is curved inwards.
(b) Focal point is in front of the convex mirror and for a concave mirror, it is behind.
(c) Center of curvature is in front of convex mirror and for a concave mirror, it is behind
(d) None of these

Answer 1

Hint – Convex and concave mirror comes under the category of curved reflecting surface. Convex itself means bulging outwards and concave itself means recessed inwards.

Complete step-by-step answer:

S No.	Differentiating property	Convex mirror	Concave mirror
1	Mirror shape	- Convex mirror rounded or curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.- Also called a fish eye or diverging mirror.- Convex mirror is curved outside.	- Concave mirror is rounded or hollowed like the interior of a circle or a sphere.- Also called a converging mirror.- Concave mirror is curved inside.
2	Position of focus	- Focus lies behind the mirror i.e. focal length is negative.	- Focus lies in front of the mirror i.e. focal length is positive.
3	Position of center of curvature	- Behind the mirror.	- In front of the mirror.

So among the given options option (A) is correct.

Note – Concave mirrors are used in reflecting telescopes, they are also used to provide magnified images of the face for applying make-up or shaving. Convex mirror always forms images that are upright, virtual and smaller than the actual object, hence it is used in rear and side view mirrors. This is the reason that in such mirrors in cars it is written that the objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.