Finding Object Distance and Image Distance

  • Thread starter Thread starter McAfee
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Image
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating object distance (p) and image distance (i) for a convex mirror with a negative focal length (f = -42 cm). The mirror type is confirmed as convex (type 2), with a radius of curvature (r) of -84 cm. The object distance is calculated as p = 199.538 cm, and the image distance is determined to be i = -51.8799 cm. The solution is verified using the mirror equation 1/p + 1/i = 1/f, confirming the calculations are correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mirror types: plane, concave, and convex
  • Familiarity with the mirror equation: 1/p + 1/i = 1/f
  • Basic knowledge of focal length and radius of curvature
  • Ability to perform calculations involving negative values
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of convex mirrors and their applications
  • Learn about the derivation and implications of the mirror equation
  • Explore the concept of magnification in optics
  • Investigate the differences between concave and convex mirrors in practical scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding mirror properties and calculations related to image formation.

McAfee
Messages
96
Reaction score
1

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K