What does a convex (curved) mirror do compared to flat mirrors?

Convex mirrors are designed to provide a wider field of view compared to flat mirrors. This characteristic is primarily due to their curved surface, which allows them to capture more of the surrounding area. As a result, they are often used in applications such as vehicle side mirrors and security mirrors because they minimize blind spots and enable the driver or viewer to see more of the area behind or around them.

In contrast, flat mirrors reflect images without any distortion, presenting objects at their actual size but limiting the viewable area. This is why they do not offer the same expansive perspective that convex mirrors provide. The distortion of size typically occurs with convex mirrors—they cause objects to appear smaller and farther away, allowing for a broader view, but they do not increase color accuracy or necessarily enhance details. The unique shape of the convex mirrors is specifically what allows for a greater overall view, making them ideal for safety and monitoring purposes.