Do Convex Mirrors Make Images Bigger Or Smaller

Do Convex Mirrors Make Images Bigger Or Smaller?

Convex mirrors are a common sight on roadways and parking lots, and they are often used to provide a wider field of view than flat mirrors. But do convex mirrors make images bigger or smaller? The answer to this question depends on the distance between the object and the mirror.

When an object is placed in front of a convex mirror, the image that is formed is always virtual and upright. This means that the image appears to be behind the mirror and is oriented in the same way as the object. The size of the image depends on the distance between the object and the mirror. When the object is close to the mirror, the image is larger than the object. As the object moves away from the mirror, the image gets smaller.

The following diagram shows how the size of the image changes as the object moves away from the mirror.

Diagram showing how the size of the image changes as the object moves away from the mirror

As you can see from the diagram, the image is always smaller than the object when the object is placed beyond the focal point of the mirror. The focal point is the point at which parallel rays of light converge after reflection from the mirror. When the object is placed at the focal point, the image is the same size as the object. When the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, the image is larger than the object.

Convex mirrors are often used in situations where a wide field of view is needed, such as on roadways and parking lots. They are also used in some optical instruments, such as telescopes and microscopes.