Question

Which type of mirror is used by the dentist?
A.) Plane
B.) Convex
C.) Concave
D.) Both (B) and (C)

Answer 1

Hint: First of all we would like to know the reason behind using the mirror and then we will see what a concave mirror is and why a concave mirror only.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Since dentists have to take a view inside our mouth for the purpose of seeing cavities or germs infection. So we need something to show the inner portion of teeth (molars) easily.

Concave mirror - Concave mirror is that type of mirror in which reflecting surface is bent inward and outward surface is polished .These mirrors gives brighter and larger(magnified) image of the original object without inverting the image thus dentists can see larger image what is inside making the doctors work much easier in viewing inner teeth and the mouth .
Hence the correct option is “C”.

Additional Information:
Apart from clinical apparatus, a concave mirror is used in reflecting telescopes. They are also used as a shaving/make up mirror to magnify the image of the face. The concave mirror is also used in illumination, such as in a torch, lamp, headlight etc. because the mirror gathers light from the small sources and directs it outward as a beam or to gather light from a large source and focus it on a small source as in concentrated solar power.

Note: We cannot use other image forming mirrors or lenses because these forms are either diminished or inverted or both so making work harder. So dentists always use concave lenses. The concave mirrors are also known as converging mirrors because they tend to collect lights that fall on them, refocusing parallel incoming rays toward a focus.