Calculating Effective Focal Length | Mirror Equation Help - 19mm Answer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the effective focal length of a lens based on the distance from the lens of the eye to the retina and the object distance of a book. The original poster mentions a specific answer of 19 mm from a book, prompting inquiries about the correct application of the mirror equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the mirror equation and the importance of unit conversion. There are questions about which distances should be considered as object distance (do) and image distance (di), with some confusion noted regarding these definitions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, clarifying definitions and attempting to ensure correct unit conversions. There is acknowledgment of mistakes made in the initial attempts, and some guidance has been provided regarding the correct identification of distances in the context of the equation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's frustration with their physics class and the challenges faced, which may influence their understanding and approach to the problem.

radiofruit
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Mirror equation help! please urgent!

Homework Statement



The distance from the lens of someone's eye to the retina is 20.0 mm. if the image of a book held 40.0 cm is in front of the eye in sharp focus, what is the effective focal length of the lense.
the back of the book says the answer is 19 mm.

thanks for your help everyone!

Homework Equations


1/f = 1/ do + 1/ di



The Attempt at a Solution

 
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radiofruit said:

Homework Statement



The distance from the lens of someone's eye to the retina is 20.0 mm. if the image of a book held 40.0 cm is in front of the eye in sharp focus, what is the effective focal length of the lense.
the back of the book says the answer is 19 mm.

thanks for your help everyone!

Homework Equations


1/f = 1/ do + 1/ di



The Attempt at a Solution

Just plug in the values.

Don't forget that 40 cm = 400 mm
 


Gahh! that's why it didn't work.

I forgot to convert Units.

Ahhh I'm a silly physics 11 student.

Thanks for your help!

Hmm does the distance from the retina to the lense (20 mm ) count as the Do ?
 


radiofruit said:
Gahh! that's why it didn't work.

I forgot to convert Units.

Ahhh I'm a silly physics 11 student.

Thanks for your help!

Hmm does the distance from the retina to the lense (20 mm ) count as the Do ?

You are welcome:smile:

No, 20 mm is Di, the distance to the image (which is on the retina). 400 mm is the object distance
 


Thanks!

So glad I join this message board.

My physics 11 teacher is horrendous, our class average is in the 50's.

I'm managing a 'B', but it's been difficult.
 


radiofruit said:
Thanks!

So glad I join this message board.

My physics 11 teacher is horrendous, our class average is in the 50's.

I'm managing a 'B', but it's been difficult.

You are welcome. Sorry to hear about your situation! I wish you the best luck!
 

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