Convex mirrors are fitted on the sides of vehicles because they always give ______.

The correct answer is an erect and diminished image.

Key Points

• Convex mirrors always produce an erect image irrespective of the distance of the object from the mirror.
• The images formed by convex mirrors are always diminished, meaning they are smaller than the actual size of the object.
• Convex mirrors provide a wider field of view compared to plane or concave mirrors, which is crucial for vehicle safety.
• Due to these properties, convex mirrors are commonly used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles.
• The positioning of convex mirrors helps drivers see a larger area behind them, thereby reducing blind spots.

Additional Information

• Mirror Terminologies:
  • Focal point (F): The point where parallel rays of light either converge or appear to diverge after reflecting from the mirror.
  • Principal axis: The line passing through the center of curvature and the mirror's pole.
  • Center of curvature (C): The center of the sphere of which the mirror is a part.
  • Pole (P): The midpoint of the mirror's surface.
• Types of Mirrors:
  • Plane mirrors: Produce virtual, erect, and same-sized images as the object.
  • Concave mirrors: Can produce real, inverted images or virtual, erect images depending on the object distance from the mirror.
  • Convex mirrors: Always produce virtual, erect, and diminished images.
• Applications of Convex Mirrors:
  • Used in vehicle side mirrors for a wider field of view.
  • Employed in surveillance systems in stores and public places.
  • Utilized in road safety to give a view of oncoming traffic at blind curves and intersections.
• Image Formation by Mirrors:
  • The nature, size, and orientation of the image formed depend on the type of mirror and the object's distance from the mirror.
  • Convex mirrors always form virtual images as they diverge light rays.