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Why is a concave mirror called a converging mirror, whereas a convex mirror is called a diverging mirror? ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/v2_65047fc5511a/img-017.jpeg) ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/v2_65047fc5511a/img-018.jpeg)

AA concave mirror always forms real images, while a convex mirror always forms virtual images.
BA concave mirror reflects parallel rays so that they meet at a point, while a convex mirror reflects parallel rays so they spread out as if from a point.
CA concave mirror is thicker than a convex mirror.
DA concave mirror reflects more light than a convex mirror.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. A concave mirror reflects parallel rays so that they meet at a point, while a convex mirror reflects parallel rays so they spread out as if from a point.
A concave mirror makes incident parallel rays converge to a real focus, so it is called a converging mirror. A convex mirror makes reflected rays diverge, appearing to come from a virtual focus behind the mirror, so it is called a diverging mirror. The naming is based on ray behavior, not on thickness or brightness.
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