Convex vs. concave: what’s the difference?

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Convex and concave are two types of curvatures that never refer to the same type of curve. Convex curves extend outward, while concave curves extend inward. Both types are used in various objects for different purposes, such as soft contact lenses and hollow pottery. Sometimes, a combination of convex and concave angles is used to create visual distortion, as seen in amusement house mirrors.

Convex and concave are terms used to define two different types of curvatures. While both convex and concave refer to one type of curve, they are never used to refer to the same type of curve. However, it is usually possible to classify any incidence of the curve as convex or concave.
To understand the difference between convex and concave curvatures, it is first necessary to define each term. Convex refers to a curvature that extends outward. The curve can occur anywhere along the surface of any object. Perhaps the classic example of a convex curve would be the surface of a ball or sphere.

Concave instead indicates the presence of a curve that extends inward rather than outward. When an object is concave in nature, the aspect is a section between two points which may appear to be hollowed out. A good example of a concave object would be a bowl or plate.

Curved surfaces of both types are commonly employed as a means to achieve a particular effect. For example, soft contact lenses are shaped in a convex configuration to provide a comfortable fit that is close to the shape of the eye. The curved surface of the lens makes inserting the contacts an easier task than the older flat lenses, while also allowing the curved lenses to be worn for a longer period of time.

Concave surfaces are found with all types of hollow pottery. Along with plates and bowls, spoons and forks also feature a concave construction which helps the utensil to be useful in eating and various tasks in food preparation. When it comes to the human form, a concave appearance in the stomach area is often considered to be physically attractive in both genders.

Sometimes combinations of convex and concave angles are used to create an interesting visual impact. For example, amusement house mirrors usually use both concave and convex curves along the mirror surface to achieve a specific type of visual distortion. The end result of using this combination of curves has proven to be a source of amusement for carnival-goers for over a hundred years.




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