Combining Lenses and Mirrors: Finding the Focal Length and Image Formation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the optical principles involved in combining lenses and mirrors to determine focal lengths and image formation. The focal length of the lens is set at 15.0 cm, while the plane mirror is acknowledged to have an infinite focal length. The method described involves first calculating the image formed by the lens, then using that image as the object for the mirror, and finally refracting through the lens again to find the final image. This sequential approach effectively utilizes the properties of virtual images and negative object distances in optics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, including focal length and image formation.
  • Familiarity with the lens formula and mirror formula.
  • Knowledge of ray diagrams and how to trace light paths through optical systems.
  • Experience with virtual and real images in lens and mirror systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the lens formula and its application in various optical systems.
  • Learn about ray tracing techniques for complex optical setups.
  • Explore the properties of virtual images formed by mirrors and their implications.
  • Investigate the effects of combining multiple lenses and mirrors in optical devices.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of image formation using lenses and mirrors.

stpmmaths
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



attachment.php?attachmentid=20476&stc=1&d=1252412682.jpg

Question B only

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



attachment.php?attachmentid=20477&stc=1&d=1252412682.jpg


1) Why we use f=15.0cm? Shouldn't it be f=infinity considering plane mirror have an infinity focal length?
2) Normally I do combination(lens, mirrors), firstly I will consider the front lens/mirror by finding the 1st image formed. Then the 1st image will be the object of the subsequent lens/mirror. Am I using the right method to do?
 

Attachments

  • Capture4.JPG
    Capture4.JPG
    37.5 KB · Views: 2,365
  • Capture2.JPG
    Capture2.JPG
    19.7 KB · Views: 2,395
Physics news on Phys.org
Any help from the web?
 
Rays from the object first refract through the lens, reflect from the mirror and then again refract though the lens to from I2. During the second refraction, the object is the vertual image I1 formed by the mirror. After refection from the mirror the rays appear to be converging at a distance equal to the distance of I1 behind the mirror. Hence u is negative.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K