2007-06-03 16:16:54 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A convex mirror has a wider field of view.
2007-06-03 16:22:41 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Excellent question!
Regardless of the position of the object reflected by a convex mirror, the image formed is always virtual, upright, and reduced in size.
The convex mirror has a reflecting surface that curves outward resembling a portion of the exterior of a sphere. Light rays parallel to the optical axis are reflected from the surface in a manner that diverges from the focal point, which is behind the mirror. Images formed with convex mirrors are always right side up and reduced in size. These images are also termed virtual images, because they occur where reflected rays appear to diverge from a focal point behind the mirror.
Convex mirrors are often used in automobile right-hand rear-view applications where the outward mirror curvature produces a smaller, more panoramic view of events occurring behind the vehicle. When parallel rays strike the surface of a convex mirror, they are reflected outward and diverge away from the mirrored surface. When the brain retraces the rays they appear to come from behind the mirror where they would converge, producing a smaller upright image (the image is upright since the virtual image is formed before the rays have crossed the focal point). Convex mirrors are also used as wide-angle mirrors in hallways and businesses for security and safety. The most amusing applications for curved mirrors are the novelty mirrors found in state fairs, carnivals, and fun houses. These mirrors often incorporate a mixture of concave and convex surfaces, or surfaces that gently change curvature, to produce bizarre, distorted reflections when people observe themselves.
2007-06-03 16:22:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Convex mirrors are also known as diverging mirrors. the image formed by them is virtual and erect and smaller and further they provide a wider field of view due to their outward curvature, that is the reflecting surface.
2007-06-03 16:27:08 · answer #3 · answered by Siddhartha 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For security purpose
2007-06-07 09:13:30 · answer #4 · answered by Brave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They want to be able to see the maxim area to make sure all is o.k.
2007-06-03 16:26:44 · answer #5 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So more can be seen by them
2007-06-03 16:22:06 · answer #6 · answered by lifelesswonder 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋