Uses of Convex & Concave Mirrors

Curved, or spherical, mirrors are also known as concave and convex mirrors. Calculations about the images formed by these lenses are based on the assumption that the curved section of the mirror was sliced off of a sphere. Concave mirrors are mirrors that curve inward in the middle, forming a cave-like hollow in the center of the mirror. Convex mirrors are mirrors that curve outward in the middle, forming a bubble-like curvature at the center of the mirror. There are many uses for concave and convex mirrors, mostly in the areas of science and safety.

Convex Mirror Uses Inside Buildings

Large hospitals, stores and office buildings often use convex mirrors to allow people to see what is around a corner to help keep people from running into one another.

Convex Mirror Uses: Sunglasses

Convex mirrors are used to make sunglass lenses. These mirrors help reflect some of the sunlight away from the wearer's eyes.

Convex Mirror Uses: Vehicles

Convex mirrors are often found on the passenger sides of motor vehicles. These mirrors make objects appear smaller than they really are. Due to this compression, these mirrors to reflect a wider image area, or field of vision.

Convex Mirror Uses: Security

Convex mirrors are often placed near ATMs to allow bank customers to see if someone is behind them. This is a security measure that helps keep ATM users safe from robbery of any cash withdrawals and helps keep ATM users' identity more secure.

Convex Mirror Uses: Magnifying Glass

Two convex mirrors placed back to back are used to make a magnifying glass.

Concave Mirror Uses: Vehicle

Concave mirrors are used in vehicle headlights to focus the light from the headlight. The light is not as diffused and the driver can see better at night.

Concave Mirror Uses: Light Concentration

Concave mirrors are used to focus light for heating purposes.