A convex mirror is preferred as a rear-view mirror in vehicles because it provides a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors, allowing the driver to see more of the area behind and around the vehicle. This helps in reducing blind spots and improves safety by enabling better awareness of adjacent vehicles and obstacles. Convex mirrors always produce an erect (upright) and diminished (smaller) image, which means the driver can see a larger area but with some distortion and difficulty in judging exact distances.
Key reasons for preference:
- Wider field of view: Due to their outward-curved shape, convex mirrors cover a larger area than flat mirrors.
- Reduced blind spots: A larger viewing angle helps in spotting vehicles or obstacles that may not be visible otherwise.
- Increased safety: Better rear and side visibility allows safer lane changes, merging, parking, and reversing.
- Erect and diminished images: The images are upright and smaller, enabling a broad overview without inversion.
Drawbacks:
- Convex mirrors distort images, making objects appear smaller and further away than they really are, which can challenge distance and speed judgment.
Overall, the benefits of increased visibility and safety outweigh the minor disadvantages, making convex mirrors the preferred choice for rear-view mirrors in vehicles.
