Mirror vs Lens — Difference (with Table)
Mirror vs Lens compared side by side — a 6-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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TL;DR: Mirror vs Lens compared side by side — a 6-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 10 Physics, free and no sign-up.
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The main difference between Mirror and Lens: A mirror is a reflective surface that reflects light and uses the law of reflection. A lens is a refracting surface that bends light through the law of ref
Mirror vs Lens — Comparison Table
| Basis | Mirror | Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Uses law of reflection | Uses law of refraction |
| Light Behavior | Reflects light off the surface | Refracts light through the material |
| Image Type | Can form real or virtual images | Can form real or virtual images |
| Material | Usually metal-coated glass or polished metal | Transparent material like glass or plastic |
| Focal Point | In front of the mirror surface | Inside or beyond the lens material |
| Example | Bathroom mirror, concave mirror, convex mirror | Magnifying glass, eyeglass lenses, camera lens |
Key Points
- Mirrors use reflection while lenses use refraction
- Both mirrors and lenses can form magnified images
- Mirrors work in all light wavelengths equally
- Lenses are wavelength-dependent, causing chromatic aberration