Do convex mirrors make things look closer than they really are?
1) True
2) False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Answer: 2) False
Convex mirrors do not make objects appear closer than they really are; in fact, they make objects appear smaller and further away. Convex mirrors are curved outward, which means they reflect light rays that hit the surface in a way that diverges the reflected rays. This divergence creates a virtual image that is smaller than the actual object.
When we look into a convex mirror, the reflected rays spread out, and our brains interpret this pattern of light as coming from a smaller object located at a greater distance. For example, if you use a convex mirror as a side mirror on a vehicle, the objects in the mirror appear smaller, giving the driver a wider field of view but also making it harder to judge the actual distance to those objects. This is why many side mirrors come with warnings stating, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” This warning serves to remind drivers that while the mirror shows a wider area, the actual distances are not accurately represented.
The key advantage of convex mirrors lies in their ability to provide a broader perspective. This characteristic is particularly useful in areas where visibility is crucial, such as in parking lots or at intersections. While they provide a helpful view of the surroundings, users must be cautious and recognize that the size and distance of objects in the mirror are distorted.
In summary, convex mirrors do not make objects appear closer; instead, they make them appear smaller and further away. Their design allows for a larger field of view, but the images they produce are not to scale, necessitating careful interpretation when judging distances.