Difference Between Concave and Convex Mirror

The difference between concave and convex mirror is crucial to understand as the properties of both these mirrors are not properly understood by most of us. The differences between concave and convex mirror are listed below in a tabular form to help students assimilate the concept efficiently.

Concave Mirror

• Concave means rounded or hollowed like the interior of a circle or sphere
• Also called as a converging mirror.
• The mirror coating of the concave mirror is on the outside of the spherical surface.
• In concave mirrors, the centre of curvature and the reflecting surface fall on the same side of the mirror.
• Focus lies in front of the mirror i.e. focal length, is positive.
• The image formed by a concave mirror is real, inverted and enlarged (except when the object is between P and F where the image is virtual, erect and enlarged).
• An image can be projected on a screen as they are real.
• They are used in reflecting telescopes, shaving mirrors, torch lights, etc. as they give a magnified image of the objects.

Convex Mirror

• Convex means rounded or curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.
• Also called as a fish eye or diverging mirror.
• The mirror coating of the convex mirror is on the inside of the spherical surface.
• In convex mirrors, the centre of curvature and the reflecting surface fall on the opposite side of the mirror.
• The focus lies behind the mirror i.e. focal length is negative.
• The image formed by a convex mirror is virtual, erect and diminished.
• Image cannot be projected on a screen as they are virtual.
• Convex mirrors are used as side view or rearview mirrors in vehicles as they cover a wider area of view.