Question

A convex mirror is a _____ mirror.

• A. diverging
• B. converging
• C. plane
• D. All the above

Hint:

A convex mirror always diverges light rays and forms virtual, erect, and diminished images. Remember: Convex $\rightarrow$ Diverging, Concave $\rightarrow$ Converging.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Mirrors are classified according to the way they reflect light rays. A convex mirror is a curved mirror whose reflecting surface bulges outward. When parallel rays of light fall on a convex mirror, the reflected rays spread away from each other after reflection. Because the rays move away from one another, such a mirror is known as a diverging mirror. The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect, and diminished irrespective of the position of the object. Convex mirrors are widely used in rear-view mirrors of vehicles because they provide a wider field of view.

Step 1: Understanding the behavior of light rays in a convex mirror.
When parallel light rays strike the surface of a convex mirror, the reflected rays do not meet at a single point. Instead, they spread outward in different directions. This spreading of rays is called divergence. Hence, a convex mirror is called a diverging mirror. \[ \boxed{\text{Convex mirror } = \text{ Diverging mirror}} \]

Step 2: Checking the remaining options carefully.

• A converging mirror is actually a concave mirror, not a convex mirror.
• A plane mirror has a flat reflecting surface and neither converges nor diverges rays significantly.
• Since only the first statement is correct, “All the above” is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(1)\ \text{diverging}} \]