Difference between Concave and Convex Mirror

The difference between concave and convex mirrors is crucial to understand. The difference between concave and convex mirrors is also among the most commonly asked questions in physics exams and competitive exams. The differences between concave and convex mirrors 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 sphere Also 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	Mirror Shape
3	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.
4	Position of the Focus	Focus lies in front of the mirror, i.e. focal length is negative.	The focus lies behind the mirror, i.e. focal length is positive.
5	Image Properties	The image formed by a concave mirror is real, inverted and enlarged (except when the object is between P (Pole) and F (Focus), where the image is virtual, erect and enlarged).	The image formed by a convex mirror is virtual, erect and diminished.
6	Image Projection	An image can be projected on a screen as if they are real.	Images cannot be projected on a screen as they are virtual.
7	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 mirrors and concave mirrors. To know more details about them, visit the articles given below. The articles below will help with more details about the focal length of concave and convex mirrors, their image properties, additional uses and other related details.

Related Articles:

Watch the video and learn the basic concepts of spherical mirrors

Watch the video and revise all the important concepts in the chapter Light Reflection and Refraction Class 10

Stay tuned to BYJU’S and KEEP FALLING IN LOVE WITH LEARNING!