How Do You Calculate Object-Image Separation for a Convex Mirror?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the object-image separation for a convex mirror with a radius of curvature of 20.0 cm, the focal length is determined to be 10.0 cm. The magnification formula indicates that the image height is one-quarter the object height, leading to the relationship q = -p/4. The equation 1/q + 1/p = 1/f is then applied, but the initial substitution made in the calculations is incorrect. Proper sign conventions for image distance, object distance, and focal length must be used to arrive at the correct values. Accurate calculations will yield the correct separation distance between the object and its image.
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Homework Statement



A convex spherical mirror has a radius of curvature R = 20.0 cm and produces an
upright image precisely one-quarter the size of an object. Calculate the
separation distance between the object and its image?



Homework Equations



M = (image height)/(object height) = h'/h = -q/p

1/q + 1/p = 1/f

q = length from mirror to image
p = length from mirroe to object
f = focal point

The Attempt at a Solution




FOR FINDING p (length from mirror to object)

h = 4h'

h'/h = -q/p

h'/4h' = -q/p

q = -p/4

1/(-q) = 1/f - 1/p

4/p + 1/p = 1/f

5/P = 1/10

P = 50

I know this cannot be right because when i go to calculate q it is greater than the focal point and that does not work.
Any help would be great.
 
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4/p + 1/p = 1/f
This substitution is not correct.
Use proper sign conversion for image distance, object distance and the focal length.
 
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