Which term describes a mirror whose surface curves inward?

Which term describes a mirror whose surface curves inward?

• A. Concave Mirror
• B. Convex Mirror
• C. Optical Axis
• D. Focal Point

Answer: (A)

Concave mirrors have surfaces that bend inward, like the inside of a spoon. That inward curvature causes reflected light to converge toward a single point in front of the mirror, which is the focal point. This convergence is what defines the concave shape and distinguishes it from other mirror types. If light rays hit a surface that curves outward, the mirror is convex and tends to diverge the rays rather than bring them to a point. The optical axis is just the central line used to describe the mirror’s geometry, not a type of mirror. The focal point is a specific point related to how a given mirror focuses light, not a label for the mirror itself.

Concave mirrors have surfaces that bend inward, like the inside of a spoon. That inward curvature causes reflected light to converge toward a single point in front of the mirror, which is the focal point. This convergence is what defines the concave shape and distinguishes it from other mirror types.

If light rays hit a surface that curves outward, the mirror is convex and tends to diverge the rays rather than bring them to a point. The optical axis is just the central line used to describe the mirror’s geometry, not a type of mirror. The focal point is a specific point related to how a given mirror focuses light, not a label for the mirror itself.