Mirror vs Lens — Difference (with Table)
Mirror vs Lens compared side by side — a 7-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10-12 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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TL;DR: Mirror vs Lens compared side by side — a 7-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10-12 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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The main difference between Mirror and Lens: Mirrors reflect light off a polished surface, while lenses refract light through transparent material. Both optical instruments form images but use differe
Mirror vs Lens — Comparison Table
| Basis | Mirror | Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Uses reflection of light | Uses refraction of light |
| Material | Metal surface with reflective coating | Transparent material (glass, plastic) |
| Light passage | Light bounces off the surface | Light passes through the material |
| Image types | Real and virtual images possible | Real and virtual images possible |
| Focal length | Depends on radius of curvature | Depends on refractive index |
| Magnification range | Limited magnification possible | Greater magnification possible |
| Common uses | Telescopes, shaving mirrors, security mirrors | Cameras, microscopes, glasses, eye correction |
Key Points
- Mirrors use reflection; lenses use refraction for image formation
- Both can form real or virtual images depending on type and object position
- Curved mirrors and lenses follow similar mathematics for focal length and magnification
- Mirrors are faster for image formation; lenses provide better magnification