What is the difference between mirror and lens?
2006-08-05 08:51:40 · 3 answers · asked by star123 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A mirror reflects light, while a lens refracts it.
Good question.
2006-08-05 09:07:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can get mirrors to do most anything you gat lenses to do--and sometimes mirrors work better. Mirrors have no chromatic aberration--they focus all colors equally well. So it's easier to make shorter focal-length mirrors (because shorter focal lengths require greater curvature and therefore a thicker lens). Mirrors also weigh much less than their equivalent lenses and are easier to make. This is why most large optical telescopes use reflection for focussing.
2006-08-05 16:18:42 · answer #2 · answered by Benjamin N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mirror--reflective, with shiny side, can not see through (no light passes through.
Lens--transparent (light passes through).
If you are asking about how they differ in terms of physics:
http://phoenix.phys.clemson.edu/labs/224/optics/index.html
check out how the light rays are reflected, refracted as they touch the mirror/lens.
2006-08-05 15:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋