Difference Between Concave And Convex / tabular form

The difference between concave and convex mirror is crucial to understand, as most of us do not correctly understand the properties of both mirrors. In addition, the difference between concave and convex mirrors is also one of the most frequently asked questions in physics exams and in student competitions. Concave And Convex / tabular form

The main difference between these two types of mirrors is that in a concave mirror the coating has a concave shape while the shape of the coating of the convex mirror, as its name suggests, is convex. But there are many more distinctions between these two types of glass superficies and here we explain them all. So if you want to discover them, keep reading.

Difference between concave and convex mirror Concave And Convex / tabular form

Here is a comparative table with the differences between concave and convex mirrors.

Concave mirror	Convex mirror
Concave means rounded or hollowed out like the inside of a circle or sphere. Also called a converging mirror.	Convex means rounded or curved like the outside of a circle or sphere. Also called a fisheye or divergent mirror.
The mirror coating of the concave mirror is located on the outside of the spherical surface. In concave mirrors, the center of curvature and the reflective surface fall on the same side of the mirror.	The mirror coating of the convex mirror is located on the inside of the spherical surface. In convex mirrors, the center of curvature and the reflective surface fall on the opposite side of the mirror.
The focus is in front of the mirror, that is, the focal length is positive.	The focus is behind the mirror, that is, the focal length is negative.
The image formed by a concave mirror is real, inverted and magnified (except when the object is between P and F where the image is virtual, erect and magnified).	The image formed by a convex mirror is virtual, erect, and diminished.
An image can be projected onto a screen as if it were real.	The image cannot be projected on a screen because they are virtual.
They are used in reflecting telescopes, shaving mirrors, flashlights, etc., as they give an enlarged image of objects.	Convex mirrors are used as side mirrors or rear view mirrors in vehicles, as they cover a wider viewing area.

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Mohammad Asif Goraya

M A Goraya has qualification of M.phil in Agricultural Sciences. He has almost 15 years of teaching Experience at college and university level. He likes to share his research based knowledge with his students and audience.