Question

The field of view is the maximum for:
A. Plane mirror
B. Concave mirror
C. Convex mirror
D. Plano concave mirror

Answer 1

Hint: Mirrors which can collect a larger number of rays coming from wider angles are said to have a larger field of view.

Complete step by step answer:
A convex mirror diverges the rays of light coming from an object to produce an image that is virtual, erect and diminished. Thus, it reduces the size of an object and provides for more space in the mirror to capture a larger amount of rays coming from wider angles from bigger objects. Hence, it has the largest field of view.
On the other hand concave mirrors in general have a converging effect on the rays of light. Thus, they actually limit the width of the light beam that they can capture. They can produce enlarged and diminished, real and virtual images. When they produce enlarged images, a smaller object takes up a wider angle and so more light rays from different objects at wider positions cannot be captured by the mirror. Hence, it has a lesser field of view than convex mirrors.
Plane mirrors do not converge or diverge rays of light but simply reflect them according to the laws of reflection. So, they have a field of view intermediate to convex and concave mirrors.
Similarly, plano concave mirrors have a field of view intermediate to plane and concave mirrors.
Thus, convex mirrors have the largest field of view.

So, the correct option is C) Convex mirror.

Note: The concept of field of view could become confusing sometimes as different people apply and consider it in different definitions. However, the one stated above is the most general one. Students must stick to this explanation only and not read other interpretations which are most of the time drafted according to the purpose that the lens or mirror is supposed to serve.
Some other vague definitions may tempt the student to believe that a concave mirror has the largest field of view, but that is not actually correct.