Finding the Image Distance for a Mirrored Sphere

In summary, a point object is placed at a distance b from a sphere of radius R. After the sphere is halved along an axis perpendicular to the object and center of the sphere, the planar surface of the hemisphere away from the object is silvered. To find the distance of the image from the sphere, the formula \frac{\mu_{2}}{v}-\frac{\mu_{1}}{u}=\frac{\mu_{2}-\mu_{1}}{R} is used, where symbols have their usual meanings. The silvering process involves making the surface a mirror. The solution involves treating the problem as two surfaces: the first spherical surface and the plane mirror. The image from the first surface is
  • #1
pardesi
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Homework Statement


There is a sphere of Radius R. A point object is kept at a distance b from it.Now the sphere is halfed about an axis perpendicular line joining the object and centre of the sphere.The planar surface of the hemisphere away from the object is silvered.Find the distance of the image from the sphere?

Homework Equations


[tex] \frac{\mu_{2}}{v}-\frac{\mu_{1}}{u}=\frac{\mu_{2}-\mu_{1}}{R}[/tex]
where symbols have their usual meanings
also silvering means making it a mirror

The Attempt at a Solution


Now there are basically three optical surfaces
the first spherical surface
then the planar and then the mirror.
What i did was to apply the formula for 1st surface then find the image which acts as object for second interface then use the found out image as object for mirror .then find the third image(i.e due to mirror) then this acts as an object again for the planar refracting surface .
then agian find the image and finally use it as an object for the curved surface .But still i am unable to get the answer :confused:
 
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  • #2
pardesi said:
Now there are basically three optical surfaces
the first spherical surface
then the planar and then the mirror.
I would treat this as two surfaces: The first spherical surface, then the plane mirror.
 
  • #3
ok let me have a go at that
but why is that so
 
  • #4
no that's not working
 

Related to Finding the Image Distance for a Mirrored Sphere

1. How do you find the image distance for a mirrored sphere?

To find the image distance for a mirrored sphere, you can use the equation: 1/f = 1/di + 1/do, where f is the focal length, di is the image distance, and do is the object distance. You will also need to know the radius of curvature of the mirrored surface.

2. What is the focal length of a mirrored sphere?

The focal length of a mirrored sphere is equal to half of the radius of curvature of the mirrored surface. This means that the focal length will vary depending on the size of the sphere.

3. Can the image distance for a mirrored sphere be negative?

Yes, the image distance for a mirrored sphere can be negative. A negative image distance indicates that the image is virtual and located behind the mirrored surface.

4. How do you determine the object distance for a mirrored sphere?

The object distance for a mirrored sphere can be determined by measuring the distance from the center of the sphere to the object being reflected. This distance is typically denoted as do in the equation: 1/f = 1/di + 1/do.

5. What factors can affect the image distance for a mirrored sphere?

The image distance for a mirrored sphere can be affected by the focal length, object distance, and radius of curvature of the mirrored surface. Changes in any of these factors can result in a different image distance.

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