Question from simple lens diagram (camera)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a simple camera with a converging lens, focusing on calculating the image distance and linear magnification based on given parameters such as focal length and object distance.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the lens formula to determine the image distance and discuss the implications of a negative image distance. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the calculations and the relevance of the tree's height in determining linear magnification.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided corrections and confirmations regarding the calculations of image distance and magnification. There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between the variables involved, with no explicit consensus reached on the necessity of certain parameters.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific rules on how to approach the problem and what information is necessary for the calculations.

ZedCar
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Homework Statement


A simple camera has a converging lens of focal length 50.0 mm.

It is used to photograph a tree 3.00 m high.

The tree is 8.00 m away from the lens.

Calculate the distance v between the lens and the film, giving your answer in mm to three significant figures.


Homework Equations



1/f = 1/u + 1/v

The Attempt at a Solution



1/50 = 1/8000 + 1/(-v)
v = -50.3 mm

Is this correct? Thank you! :smile:
 
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Why did you reason that the image distance was negative?
 
Hmmm, not sure why I done that actually...

Have corrected to:

1/f = 1/u + 1/v

1/50 = 1/8000 + 1/v

v = 50.3 mm
 
That looks right. The negative image distance you got before implies that the film needed to be outside the camera to capture the image.
 
Thanks Squeezebox!

When I want to calculate the linear magnification of the image, the following equation is used:

m = v/u

Do I use the same v and u values from above? (both in metres)

i.e.

0.0503 / 8 = 0.0063
 
ZedCar said:
Thanks Squeezebox!

When I want to calculate the linear magnification of the image, the following equation is used:

m = v/u

Do I use the same v and u values from above? (both in metres)

i.e.

0.0503 / 8 = 0.0063

Now you have the opposite problem. There's a negative sign in this one.

m= -v/u

The image gets flipped upside down. This happens with your eyes too; your brain flips the image back right side up.
 
Ah, so it'd be

-0.0503 / 8 = -0.0063

So is the height of the tree, stated in the question as being 3.00 m, not required to obtain the linear magnification?
 

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