How Do You Calculate Image Distance with Magnification in a Converging Lens?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating image distance using magnification in the context of a converging lens. Participants explore the relationship between focal length, image distance, and magnification, while attempting to derive a specific equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to manipulate equations involving focal length, image distance, and magnification. Questions arise regarding the validity of derived equations and the conditions under which certain relationships hold true.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with the mathematical relationships, with some participants expressing confusion over the derivations. Multiple interpretations of the equations are being explored, and a suggestion has been made that the original question may contain an error.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption of using non-negative conventions for magnification and are questioning the setup of the problem as stated.

ben488
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If I have a converging lens, of focal length f, and magnification of the image m, where q is the distance of the image from the lens show that q = (1+m) f

m = - q/p
1/f = 1/p + 1/q


I just need to show that they are equal, but I am getting confused with the maths..

q= (1 - (q/p)) (1/(1/p + 1/q))
q= (1 - (q/p))(qp/(p+q)
q= (qp/p + q) - (q/p)(qp/(p+ q)
 
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If by "they" you mean p=q, you could look at the scene from the ray diagram point of view. The only situation where p=q for a converging lens, is when both are at a point at 2x the focal length of the lens. At this point, the gemoetry is perfectly symmetrical, and image is the same size as the object, therefore, magnification is 1 (w
 
ben488 said:
I just need to show that they are equal, but I am getting confused with the maths..

q= (1 - (q/p)) (1/(1/p + 1/q))
q= (1 - (q/p))(qp/(p+q)
Good. Rearranging, this becomes:
q= [(p-q)/p][qp/(p+q)] = [(p-q)/(p+q)]q

Well, looks like it's not true! :eek:

Perhaps they meant to write: q = (1-m)f
 
Actually I get unity each time I do it (actually 1= -1). So then I noticed that the first equation:
q= (1+m)f
is derived directly from the thin-lens and magnification equations, if you use m=q/p (no negative).

So the equation q=(1+m)f is a general equation (true for all real situations) not a specific equation, as long as you are using the non-negative convention for the magnification equation.

There is a problem with the question, as stated.
 
thanks so much for all your help, its great.

Ben
 

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