Question

Which type of mirrors are used by dentists to see large images of patient's teeth?
1. Plane
2. Convex
3. Diverging
4. Converging

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Converging

Concept - 

Three types of mirror commonly seen are: 

1. PLANE MIRROR 

• Flat mirrors, also known as plane mirrors, are the most common.
• A thin layer of silver nitrate or aluminum is placed behind a flat piece of glass to create these mirrors.
• When you put an object in front of a mirror, the mirror reflects an image of that object.
• ​Characteristics of the image formed: 
  • Virtual, erect, same size as that of the object, laterally inverted.

2. CONVEX MIRROR 

• Diverging mirror 
• A convex mirror has a curved reflective surface that bulges out towards the light source.
• This protruding surface reflects light outwards rather than focusing it.
• A virtual image is generated by these mirrors.
• As a consequence, images are formed that cannot be projected on a frame since they are formed within the mirror.
• ​Characteristics of the image formed: 
  • Virtual, erect, diminished, can not be obtained on a screen
• USES:
  • Car rearview mirrors.
  • Convex mirrors are commonly used in hallways of buildings such as malls, schools, hospitals, hotels, and apartment complexes.
  • They're used in driveways, highways, and alleys to keep both bikers and motorists protected around curves and turns, as well as other areas where visibility is restricted.

 

3. CONCAVE MIRROR 

• Converging mirror.
• A concave mirror is a type of spherical mirror in which the reflecting surface is the sphere's inner curved surface.
• Since the incident light is reflected inwards (converged) due to their form, they are also known as converging mirrors and are used to concentrate light.
• In a concave mirror, there is a formation of different images.
• The distance between the object and the mirror is the most important factor.
• It can create both real and virtual images.
• When the concave mirror is positioned very close to the object, it produces a magnified image; however, as the distance between the object and the mirror increases, the size of the image decreases, and real images are produced.

• Characteristics of the image formed: (object kept closer) 
  • Real, inverted, magnified, can be obtained on a screen.
• USES:
  • Concave mirrors are used in torches, searchlights, and car headlights to create strong parallel beams of light.
  • Concave mirrors are typically used as shaving mirrors to magnify the image of the face.
  • Dentists use concave mirrors to see large pictures of their patients' teeth.
  • Reflecting telescopes also use concave mirrors.

Explanation - 

• Dentists use a mirror that produces a large, magnified image of their patient's teeth.
• So, the best option for them is a concave mirror, which is a converging mirror as it converges the light falling on it at one point. 
• It produces a magnified image that helps for examining the teeth well. 
• Hence, the correct answer for this question is - Converging mirror (Concave mirror).