Question

Why is a convex mirror used instead of a plane mirror in the side view of a car?
A. The image formed by a convex mirror is larger than that formed by a plane mirror.
B. The image formed by a convex mirror is smaller than that formed by a plane mirror.
C. The image formed by a convex mirror is closer than that formed by a plane mirror.
D. The image formed by a convex mirror is farther than that formed by a plane mirror.

Answer 1

Hint: We all use convex mirrors in the side view of our cars, to see the image of any object's broader field of view that makes us comfortable while driving. Whereas a plane mirror will show the image bigger that makes it uncomfortable while driving.

Complete answer:
A convex mirror is used instead of a plane mirror because it has a large view angle with always an erect image formation irrespective of the position of the object.Convex mirrors are preferred as rear-view mirrors in vehicles because they provide a broader field of view, allowing the driver to see the majority of the traffic behind him.

In cars and vehicles, a convex mirror is favoured as a rear-view mirror because it provides a broader field of view, allowing the driver to see the majority of the traffic behind him. Convex mirrors always reflect the objects in front of them in an erect, imaginary, and shrunken form. Convex mirrors always reflect the items in front of them in a virtual, erect, and shrunken picture.

-A virtual picture is always formed by a convex mirror and is always situated behind the mirror.
-The picture is vertical and located at the focal point when the item is far away from the mirror.
-As the object approaches the mirror, the image follows suit and increases until it reaches the same height as the object.
-Convex mirrors produce images that are smaller than the item but become larger as they approach the mirror.

Therefore, a convex mirror is used instead of a plane mirror in the side view of a car because the image formed by a convex mirror is smaller and closer to that formed by a plane mirror.

Hence, the correct options are (B) and (C).

Note: As long as the object is in their focus, concave mirrors in vehicles help to reduce blind spots. The reflecting surface of a concave mirror, on the other hand, bends inwards and away from the light source.