What type of mirror produces an image that is smaller than reality?

A convex mirror produces an image that is smaller than reality because of the way it reflects light. Convex mirrors are curved outward, causing light rays that strike the surface to diverge. This divergence means that the brain interprets the reflected light as coming from a larger area behind the mirror, which results in a smaller, virtual image that appears to be located behind the mirror itself.

As a result, objects viewed in a convex mirror appear smaller and wider than they actually are, making it particularly useful for applications such as vehicle side mirrors, which enhance the field of view while reducing the size of the reflected image. This characteristic is essential in design contexts where a broader perspective is necessary, such as in parking or navigating tight spaces.