Calculating distance of image from lens

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a converging lens with a focal length of 38 cm, where an object is placed on the optic axis, resulting in an image size that is 1.5 times the object size. Participants are tasked with calculating the distance of the image from the lens, while also considering the nature of the image (real or virtual).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between object distance and image distance using the lens formula and magnification equations. There is a focus on clarifying whether the image is real or virtual, as this affects the sign conventions used in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the implications of the image being real or virtual, suggesting that the problem's lack of specification leads to ambiguity. There is an exploration of different scenarios based on the nature of the image, with attempts to derive distances under both assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The problem does not specify whether the image is real or virtual, which is a critical factor in determining the correct approach to the solution. Participants note that additional information, such as the orientation of the image or the object's position relative to the lens's focal point, would help clarify this aspect.

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Homework Statement




An object is placed on the optic axis and in front of a converging lens of focal length 38 cm such that its image size is 1.5 times the object size. Calculate the distance of the image from the lens. Express your answer in centimeter.

Homework Equations



1/f=1/di + 1/do

M=hi/ho=-di/do



The Attempt at a Solution



Image size is 1.5 times the object size. So 1.5=-di/do
So , do=-di/1.5
So , 1/38=1/di + 1/(-di/1.5) = 1/di - 1.5/di =-0.5/di
Thus di=-0.5*38= -19 .
But the answer is wrong . Please help.
 
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Len's Formula,
1/f=1/di-1/do
when sign convention is used.

& the formula which u are using

1/f=1/di+1/do
when sign convention is not used.

Magnification,

for real image
m= -hi/ho

for virtual image
m= hi/ho

now u must first clarify that is the image real or virtual.
 
Last edited:
agoogler said:

Homework Statement




An object is placed on the optic axis and in front of a converging lens of focal length 38 cm such that its image size is 1.5 times the object size. Calculate the distance of the image from the lens. Express your answer in centimeter.

Homework Equations



1/f=1/di + 1/do

M=hi/ho=-di/do



The Attempt at a Solution



Image size is 1.5 times the object size. So 1.5=-di/do
So , do=-di/1.5
So , 1/38=1/di + 1/(-di/1.5) = 1/di - 1.5/di =-0.5/di
Thus di=-0.5*38= -19 .
But the answer is wrong . Please help.

The problem does not specify if the image is real or virtual. The magnification is defined as M=h(image)/h(object). The real image is inverted, so h(image) is negative. Therefore M=h(image)/h(object) = -1.5 = -di/do, that is, di/do=1.5.

In case of a virtual image, the image is erect, the magnification is positive, so di/do=-1.5, and the image distance is negative. Your result corresponds to that situation, and it is correct, if you explain that you assumed virtual image. The full solution has to include both possibilities: Determine the image distance also for the real image.

ehild
 
ehild said:
The problem does not specify if the image is real or virtual. The magnification is defined as M=h(image)/h(object). The real image is inverted, so h(image) is negative. Therefore M=h(image)/h(object) = -1.5 = -di/do, that is, di/do=1.5.

In case of a virtual image, the image is erect, the magnification is positive, so di/do=-1.5, and the image distance is negative. Your result corresponds to that situation, and it is correct, if you explain that you assumed virtual image. The full solution has to include both possibilities: Determine the image distance also for the real image.

ehild
Awesome ! Taking di/do=1.5 I get the answer as 95 , which is correct.
But how to determine whether the image is real or virtual ?
 
agoogler said:
Awesome ! Taking di/do=1.5 I get the answer as 95 , which is correct.
But how to determine whether the image is real or virtual ?

This problem did not specify if the image is real or virtual. If the orientation of the image is given, you can decide. If the problem text was " The image of the object is inverted and its size is 1.5 times the object height" you would know that it was real. If the lens is diverging, you know the image is virtual. If you know that the object is placed closer to the converging lens as its focus, you know that the image is virtual.


ehild
 

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