Q1.
Yes. But where do we find concave and convex mirrors being used in our surroundings?
Answer
Each use is chosen for exactly what that mirror does to a beam of light.
| Mirror | Where it is used | Why that mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Concave | Reflector behind a torch bulb; headlight of a car or scooter | Light from the bulb, placed near the focus, leaves the reflector as a strong parallel beam that travels far |
| Concave | Dentist's mirror | Held close to a tooth it gives an erect, enlarged view of it |
| Concave | Main mirror of a reflecting telescope; solar cooker and solar furnace | Collects light from a large area and concentrates it at one point |
| Convex | Side-view mirror of vehicles | Erect image and a much wider view of the road behind |
| Convex | Road-safety mirror at intersections and sharp bends | Lets drivers on both sides see the traffic coming from the other side and avoid collisions |
| Convex | Surveillance mirror in big stores | One mirror keeps a large area in view, which deters theft |
The pattern behind the list: wherever light has to be gathered and concentrated, or a small nearby thing has to be magnified, a concave mirror is used. Wherever a wide view matters more than true size, a convex mirror is used.