Why do we prefer a convex mirror as a rear-view mirror in vehicles?
Answer
A convex mirror is used as a rear-view mirror because it always forms an erect, diminished image and gives a wider field of view of the traffic behind.
The working
Erect image
A convex mirror always produces a virtual, erect image of objects behind the vehicle, so the driver sees the traffic upright.
Wider view
Because it diverges the reflected rays, a convex mirror covers a much larger field of view than a plane or concave mirror of the same size.
Diminished image
The image is smaller than the object, allowing a large area of traffic to be seen within a small mirror.
Conclusion
These properties let the driver observe a wide region behind the vehicle safely, which is why convex mirrors are preferred.
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