Question

List the differences between the following:
(a) regular and diffuse reflection
(b) real and virtual image
(c) concave and convex mirror

Answer 1

(a)

Regular reflection	Diffused reflection
Regular reflection takes place from a smooth or regular surface.	Irregular or diffused reflection takes place from an irregular surface.
In regular reflection, all reflected rays are parallel to each other for parallel incident rays.	In diffused reflection, the reflected rays are not parallel to each other for parallel incident rays.

(b)

Real image	Virtual image
It can be captured on a screen.	It cannot be captured on a screen.
It is always inverted.	It is always erect.
Light rays actually meet to form a real image.	Light rays don't actually meet to form a virtual image.

(c)

Concave mirror	Convex mirror
In a concave mirror, the reflecting surface is on the inner part of the sphere of which the mirror is a part.	In a convex mirror, the reflecting surface is on the outer side of the sphere of which the mirror is a part.
In a concave mirror, the image formed can be either real and inverted or virtual and erect.	In a convex mirror, the image is always virtual and erect.
The magnification of a concave mirror can be either greater, equal or less than one.	In a convex mirror, the magnification is always less than one.