Convex Mirrors Make Images Smaller

Convex mirrors, also known as diverging mirrors, are a type of curved mirror that bulges outward. They are commonly used in various applications, including security mirrors, side mirrors on vehicles, and wide-angle mirrors in stores. One of the defining characteristics of convex mirrors is their ability to create images that are smaller than the actual object.

The smaller image size in convex mirrors is a result of the way light rays reflect off the curved surface. When light rays strike a convex mirror, they diverge or spread out, causing the image to become smaller. This divergence of light rays is in contrast to concave mirrors, which converge or focus light rays, resulting in larger images.

The size of the image formed by a convex mirror is determined by the object's distance from the mirror and the mirror's focal length. The focal length of a convex mirror is negative, indicating that the image is virtual and located behind the mirror. As the object moves closer to the mirror, the image becomes larger, and as the object moves farther away, the image becomes smaller.

Convex mirrors have a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors or concave mirrors. This is because the diverging light rays from the convex mirror cover a larger area, allowing for a wider view. The wider field of view makes convex mirrors ideal for applications where a wide-angle view is necessary, such as in security mirrors or side mirrors on vehicles.

In summary, convex mirrors create images that are smaller than the actual object due to the divergence of light rays reflecting off the curved surface. The image size is determined by the object's distance from the mirror and the mirror's focal length. Convex mirrors also have a wider field of view compared to other types of mirrors, making them useful in applications where a wide-angle view is required.