Spherical Mirrors - Convex Mirror

A convex mirror is a type of spherical mirror where the outer curved surface reflects light. It is also known as a diverging mirror because it spreads light rays outward when they hit the mirror. Convex mirrors are commonly used in places like vehicles' side mirrors and security cameras because they provide a wide field of view. Convex mirrors form images that are always virtual, upright, and diminished in size, regardless of the object's position. These properties make convex mirrors highly useful in situations where a wide field of view is required, such as in vehicle side mirrors for enhanced safety, in surveillance systems for better area coverage, and in hallways or intersections to help avoid collisions.

There are only two possibilities for the position of an object in the case of a convex mirror, i.e., the object at infinity and the object between infinity and the pole of a convex mirror.

1. Object at infinity: When the object is at infinity, a point-sized image is formed at the principal focus behind the convex mirror.

 The image is highly diminished, virtual and erect.

2. Object between infinity and pole: 

When the object is between infinity and the pole of a convex mirror, a diminished, virtual and erect image is formed between the pole and the focus behind the mirror.

The image is diminished, virtual and erect.

• Convex mirrors are used as side mirrors in vehicles to help drivers see traffic coming from behind.
• They are installed at gates and squares to provide a wide-angle view of the surroundings for better visibility.
• Convex mirrors are used as rearview mirrors in vehicles because their wide field of view allows drivers to see a larger area behind them.
• They are placed on hairpin bends on roads to enable drivers to see approaching traffic from the other side of the bend, enhancing safety.