Question

Convex mirrors are used as the side mirrors in automobiles. Explain their working.

Answer 1

It is common in the case of automobiles to use the rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle in the front.

In the following given picture, it is shown how an image of a vehicle is formed in both cases (plane mirror and convex mirror).

1. The convex mirror is the type in which the bulged or the outward reflecting surface acts as a mirror.
2. There are several uses of convex mirrors and one of the uses is in automobiles.
3. In the case of plane mirrors, it has been shown that the image of a vehicle that is coming from behind is too large and does not show an extended field view.
4. But in the case of a convex or rearview mirror, the image formed is very extended and gives a wide view.
5. It forms a small image of a vehicle which is helpful to view many vehicles or the traffic behind that vehicle.