Mirrors can be both concave and convex. They are not limited to just one shape. The terms "concave" and "convex" describe the curvature of the mirror's reflective surface.
Understanding Mirror Shapes
The shape of a mirror's surface determines how it reflects light and, consequently, how it forms images. Based on their curvature, common types of curved mirrors are:
- Concave Mirrors: These mirrors curve inward.
- Convex Mirrors: These mirrors curve outward.
Concave vs. Convex Mirrors: Key Differences
Based on the provided reference, the fundamental difference lies in which surface reflects light and the direction of the bulge:
-
Convex Mirror:
- Reflects light off of the outer surface.
- Bulges out towards the viewer.
-
Concave Mirror:
- Reflects light off of the inner surface of the mirror.
- Bulges away from the viewer.
Here's a simple table summarizing the distinction:
| Feature | Concave Mirror | Convex Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective Surface | Inner surface | Outer surface |
| Bulge Direction | Bulges away from the viewer (inward) | Bulges out towards the viewer (outward) |
Both concave and convex mirrors are widely used in various applications, from everyday items to scientific instruments, precisely because of how their unique shapes affect light reflection.
