A convex mirror, also known as a diverging mirror or a convex reflecting mirror, is a curved mirror with a reflecting surface that curves outward. It is typically shaped like a section of the outer surface of a sphere, bulging outward. Convex mirrors are commonly used in applications such as vehicle side-view mirrors, security mirrors, and store surveillance systems.

Here are some key characteristics and properties of convex mirrors:

1. Focal Point: Unlike concave mirrors, convex mirrors do not have a real focal point. Instead, they have a virtual focal point located behind the mirror. When parallel rays of light strike a convex mirror, they appear to diverge away from the virtual focal point.
2. Center of Curvature: The center of curvature of a convex mirror is the center of the sphere from which the mirror’s surface is derived. It is located on the same side as the object being reflected and lies behind the mirror. The center of curvature is twice the distance of the focal point from the mirror.
3. Principal Axis: The principal axis of a convex mirror is an imaginary line passing through the center of curvature, the virtual focal point, and the center of the mirror. It is perpendicular to the mirror’s surface and serves as a reference line for analyzing the behavior of light rays.
4. Reflecting Properties: Convex mirrors are designed to reflect light outwards, away from the mirror surface. When parallel rays of light strike a convex mirror, they are reflected and diverge away from each other. This property makes convex mirrors “diverging” mirrors.
5. Image Formation: The type of image formed by a convex mirror is different from that of a concave mirror:

• Virtual Images: Regardless of the position of the object, convex mirrors always produce virtual and upright images. The image is formed by the apparent divergence of light rays and is perceived as coming from behind the mirror. Virtual images formed by convex mirrors are smaller and appear closer than the actual object.

Convex mirrors have practical applications due to their ability to provide a wider field of view and a greater area of visibility. They are commonly used as side-view mirrors in vehicles to provide a wide-angle view of the surrounding traffic. They are also utilized in security mirrors for surveillance purposes, allowing for a wide view in a confined area. The reflective properties of convex mirrors make them useful in situations where a broad perspective is needed, although the images formed are smaller and not as detailed compared to those formed by concave mirrors.