Calculating the Diameter of the Moon's Virtual Image

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the diameter of the virtual image of the Moon as formed by the Pacific Ocean, which is treated as a convex mirror. The problem involves understanding the relationships between object distance, image distance, and focal length in optics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the Earth's radius as the radius of curvature for the mirror and question how to properly set up the equations to find the diameter of the virtual image. There is also an inquiry about deriving the focal length from the radius.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the Earth's radius for calculations, and one participant expresses clarity regarding the focal length. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer, as one participant is seeking confirmation of their calculated result.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of using the properties of a convex mirror and the specific distances and dimensions provided in the problem. The nature of the virtual image and the negative image distance are also points of consideration.

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1. The radius of Earth is 6.40 x 10³ km. The moon is about 3.84 x 10^5 km away from Earth and has a diameter of 3475 km. The Pacific Ocean surface, which can be considered a convex mirror, forms a virtual image of the moon. What is the diameter of that image?
Code:
2. 1/p + 1/q = 1/f
Code:
M = h'/h = -q/p

3. Ok. So since the image is virtual, q (image distance) is negative. p (object distance) is 3.84 x 10^5 km and h(object height) is 3475 m. Could the radius of Earth be used as the radius of curvature? I'm confused as to how to set up the equations in order to get the diameter of the image(h')
 
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Yes, use the radius of the Earth as the radius of the mirror formed by the pacific ocean. Think of the water covered part of the Earth as a giant, convex, spherical mirror.

HINT: Can you find the focal length of the ocean from what you know?
 
Last edited:
Ok. yeah that clears stuff up because I can get focal length from the radius. Thanks.
 
I'm getting like 28.7 km for an answer. Can anyone confirm?
 

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