Which type of mirror bulges outward and causes light to diverge?

A convex mirror is the type of mirror that bulges outward and causes light to diverge. The surface of a convex mirror curves outward, meaning that when parallel rays of light strike the mirror, they reflect off in such a way that they appear to originate from a single point behind the mirror. This creates a virtual image that is smaller than the object and allows for a wider field of view.

In practical terms, these mirrors are commonly used in situations where a broader perspective is necessary, such as in vehicle side mirrors or security mirrors in stores. The diverging property of convex mirrors not only helps in viewing a larger area but also minimizes distortion, making them useful for safety and surveillance.

In contrast, flat mirrors reflect light without significantly altering the light's path, concave mirrors focus light to a point in front of the mirror, and plane mirrors have a similar effect to flat mirrors, making them less relevant to the concept of light divergence.