75mm Round Double-Sided Convex & Concave Glass Mirror
by GSC International

This 75mm double-sided glass mirror is perfect for use in the physics laboratory or classroom. One side is an outward curving convex mirror, while the other is an inward curving concave mirror.

The convex mirror, also known as a fish eye or diverging mirror, has a reflective surface which bulges outwards towards the light source. Because the light hits the surface at various angles and is reflected outwards, they cannot be effectively used to focus light. They are prominently featured in a number of applications, including the passenger-side mirror of cars, the safety mirrors in hospitals, schools, and automated bank teller machines.

The concave, or converging mirror, has its reflective surface bulging inwards, away from the light source. Concave mirrors end to reflect all light inwards towards a single focal point, and can easily used to focus light. This collection of light is what gives them the alternate name of “converging” mirror. This type of mirror can be found in reflecting telescopes, headlamps, spotlights, and make-up or shaving mirrors. Because they can form a kind of optical cavity, they are very important during laser construction.