How can we effectively solve problems involving concave parabolic mirrors?

[SkyFlyer]

There are three of us in our physics class... and we are having trouble with concave parabolic mirrors. We use Saxon's physics book, and he does a horrible job at explaining how to solve, or even set up, the problems.

If anyone could give advice or insight, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

I googled parabolic mirror tutorial, and got lots of good hits. Here's the hit list FYI:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=parabolic+mirror+tutorial

Welcome to the PF, SkyFlyer.

 

[SkyFlyer]

I googled parabolic mirror tutorial, and got lots of good hits. Here's the hit list FYI:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=parabolic+mirror+tutorial

Welcome to the PF, SkyFlyer.

Thanks. I googled concave parabolic mirrors and got two pages, which were no help what so ever.

 

[berkeman]

Yeah, I find that adding the word tutorial to those kind of searches helps a lot in turning up pages with some instructional content.