Concave Mirror vs. Convex Mirror: What's the Difference?
Read the comparison below, or explore it visually. Create a visual lesson comparing concave mirror and convex mirror using available credits or plan allowance.
A concave mirror curves inward like the inside of a spoon and converges reflected light to a focus, while a convex mirror bulges outward and spreads reflected light apart. A concave mirror can form real, inverted images or magnified upright ones depending on the object's position, whereas a convex mirror always forms a small, upright, virtual image that shows a wide field of view.
At a glance
| Concave Mirror | Convex Mirror | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Reflecting surface curves inward | Reflecting surface bulges outward |
| Effect on light | Converges parallel rays to a real focus | Diverges rays from a virtual focus behind it |
| Image type | Real and inverted, or virtual and magnified | Always virtual, upright and diminished |
| Focal length sign | Negative (NCERT sign convention) | Positive (NCERT sign convention) |
| Common uses | Shaving mirrors, torch reflectors, dentists | Vehicle side mirrors, shop and road-bend mirrors |
Which should you use?
A concave mirror is the right choice when light must be gathered or an object enlarged, such as a shaving mirror held close to the face or the reflector behind a torch bulb.
A convex mirror is the right choice when a wide view matters more than size, such as a car's side mirror or the round mirrors placed at blind bends on hill roads.