Solving a Photographic Puzzle: Comparing Heights of Images at Varying Distances

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the comparison of image heights captured at different distances using a 50mm lens. The original poster attempts to determine the ratio of the heights of images taken from 100m and 50m distances, exploring the implications of lens focal length and magnification equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the lens's focal length and its relevance to the problem. Questions arise regarding how to derive the heights of the images and the relationship between the two cases. Some participants explore the calculations for magnification and the resulting ratios.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the calculations and relationships between the two cases. Some guidance has been offered regarding the constancy of the object height, but participants are still questioning how to clearly express the ratio of the image heights.

Contextual Notes

Participants note confusion regarding the application of the focal length and the calculations leading to the image heights. There is an emphasis on understanding the magnification formula and its implications for the problem.

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hey, i tried the following problem and i think i got it wrong well. here is the problem and what i did.

problem
A photograph of a zebra is taken from a distance of 100m with a 50mm lens. A second picture is taken from a distance of 50m with the same lens. What is the ratio of the height of the image in the second picture to the height in the first picture?

What i did
well. its obvious that the ratio is 2:1 because the distance of image int eh 100m to the distance of the 50m picture is 2:1 and the fact that it uses the same lens proves it. but my main issue with the problem is that i can't understand weather the 50mm lens can be used as the focal length of the problem. well I used it and here is what i got:

for the 100m:
1/f = 1/do + 1/di

so: 1/0.050 = 1/100 + 1/di

5di/0.050 = 5di/100 + 5di/di

100di = 0.05di + 5

100di - 0.05di = 5

99.95di = 5

99.95di/99.95 = 5/99.95

Therefore: di = 0.050025012

Note: to get the height of the image or object the equation is:

M = hi/ho = -di/do

I have the di and do but I don’t understand how I get hi or ho
M is the magnification For the 50m:

1/f = 1/do + 1/di

So: 1/0.050 = 1/50 + 1/di

2.5di/0.050 = 2.5di/50 + 2.5di/di
50di = 0.050di + 2.5

50di – 0.050di = 2.5

49.95di = 2.5

49.95di/49.95 = 2.5/49.95

Therefore: di = 0.05005005

..here is the confusing part: the di of the 100 its half of the di or the 50 which I think it should be, and I don’t see how I can get the highet of the image.?
 
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Would it help to point out that the height of the object remains the same in both cases?
 
ok

i know that the ho reamains the same but i don't know how i can show the relation between both cases? i don't understand how to get the ratio.

edit: here is what i did..tell me if it is right

case1
hi/ho = 0.050025012/100

hi/ho = 0.0005052012

case2
hi/ho = 0.05005005/50

hi/ho = 0.0010010010.001001001/0.0005052012

= 2.00100101 about 2

therefore the ratio is 2:1

is that right?
 
Last edited:
so is it right?
 

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