Finding Object Distance and Image Distance

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The discussion focuses on determining the object distance and image distance for a convex mirror with a negative focal length of -42 cm. The mirror type is identified as convex, and the radius of curvature is calculated as -84 cm. The object distance (p) is found to be approximately 199.54 cm, while the image distance (i) is calculated to be about -51.88 cm. The calculations are verified using the mirror equation, confirming the relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length. The approach and results align with the principles of optics for convex mirrors.
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Homework Statement



More mirrors. Object O stands on the central axis of a spherical or plane mirror. For this situation (Table 34-4 below. All distances are in centimeters.) , find (a) the type of mirror (0 depicts "plane", 1 - "concave", 2 - "convex"), (b) the radius of curvature r (nonzero number or 0 if infinity), (c) the object distance p, (d) the image distance i.

f= -42
m= +0.26

(a) 2
(b) -84
(c)
(d)

The Attempt at a Solution



So I'm stuck mainly because the focal length (f) is negative. I think since f is less than m the mirror is convex. Would I still solve for p the same way?

p= (1 - (1/m))*f
so
p= 199.538 cm

and then equals
i = -mp
i = -51.8799

Am I right?
 
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There are ways to check your answer to problems like this, which is to see if your solution satisfies the necessary equations.

So: is it true that
1/p + 1/i = 1/f​
or in other words, that
1/199.5 + 1/(-51.9) = 1/(-42)?​

p.s. you're correct that a negative f means that the mirror is convex, and you solve using the usual formula that relates p, i, and f.
 
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