2007-08-28 01:49:43 · 6 answers · asked by Buckminster 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Because they are slightly convex (bulged out) so that you can see more of what is behind you.
That convexity, though, makes everything smaller.
Edit: Don't they say "closer than they appear?"
2007-08-28 01:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mirrors are not made to make objects closer than they are. The mirror states "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear." That is, the objects LOOK far away when they really are close. The reason for this is to provide a wider field of view from the passenger mirror, which is often quite a distance from the viewer. As a mirror is moved away from a viewer, the field of view available from that mirror gets smaller and smaller. If the mirror weren't made convex (thus causing the perceived distortion) it would have a uselessly small field of view.
2007-08-28 03:06:24 · answer #2 · answered by dansinger61 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The side view mirror is slightly curved in order to give a wider view of objects next and slightly behind the car. A side effect of that optical manipulation is that it gives the impression that the object is further away (because the visual field is bigger). The disclaimer "closer than they appear" is so that if the driver has an accident, he can't blame the mirror design (and the car manufacturer) for the accident.
2007-08-28 02:01:10 · answer #3 · answered by misoma5 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Why" refers to the motive of the designer. It's to increase the field of view. A flat mirror of the same size would be more restricted in this sense.
2007-08-28 03:10:18 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably to counter-act procrastination. People
become more cautious when danger is luming
right in front of them. Similar to setting one's
clock 15 minutes fast to reduce the chance
of arriving late to appointments.
2007-08-28 02:05:43 · answer #5 · answered by active open programming 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
so you can see better
2007-08-28 02:09:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋