Explain why convex mirrors always produce virtual images

1. The Nature of Reflection

Because the surface curves outward, parallel rays of light that strike the mirror are forced to reflect away from each other. The mirror scatters, or diverges, the light rays.

2. Real vs. Virtual Images

A real image is formed where light rays actually converge (meet) at a point. You can project a real image onto a screen.

A virtual image is formed where light rays appear to diverge from a point. Your brain traces the diverging rays back to an imaginary intersection point. This image cannot be projected onto a screen.

3. Putting It Together

• Since a convex mirror always causes light rays to diverge, the reflected rays will never converge in front of the mirror.
• Because the rays never physically meet, it is impossible to form a real image.
• Instead, our brain (or an observer) traces these diverging rays backward, "behind" the mirror's surface.
• These traced-back lines meet at a point behind the mirror, forming a virtual image.
• Furthermore, this virtual image is always erect (upright) and diminished (smaller) than the object. This is also why convex mirrors provide a wider field of view.