How Do You Find the Object Position for an Upright Image in a Concave Mirror?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the object position for an upright image formed by a concave mirror with a focal length of 40 cm. The key equations used are the mirror formula (1/do + 1/di = 1/f) and the magnification formula (m = -di/do). The solution reveals that the object distance (do) is 30 cm and the image distance (di) is -120 cm, indicating that the image is virtual and upright. The participants emphasize the importance of solving the system of equations to arrive at these values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of concave mirrors and their properties
  • Familiarity with the mirror formula: (1/do) + (1/di) = 1/f
  • Knowledge of magnification concepts: m = -di/do
  • Ability to solve systems of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study ray diagrams for concave mirrors
  • Learn about the characteristics of virtual images
  • Explore the application of Wolfram Alpha for solving equations
  • Investigate the relationship between object height and image height in optics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of concave mirrors and image formation.

elementozzy
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So I originally posted a thread for my optics homework listing every question from a worksheet AND my attempts. Apparently, it's seen as spam so I have tried and am now posting the second question.

Homework Statement


A concave mirror has a focal length of 40 cm. Determine the object position for which the resulting image is upright and four times the size of the object. Construct a ray diagram for this situation.

GIVEN DATA
Focal length= 40 c.m


Homework Equations


(1/do)+(1/di)=1/f

The Attempt at a Solution



I can't really attempt it because I barely have any information. How can I determine the object position with only the focal length.

And what exactly are do and di?
 
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What happens to the light as it passes through the mirror?
 
lens*
 
elementozzy
do and di usually mean the distance from the object to the vertex of the mirror and the distance of the image to the vertex of the mirror, respectively.

Try something now.

Also, do you know how the relation between do and di is related to the ratio between the height of the object and the height of its image?BiGyeILoWhAt
Why did you "correct" your post to lens? You could just have edited your first post.
Also, according to what the problem states, it is a mirror.
 
Lol yea I did, I don't know why, I was at work, and posted in a hurry, I guess I thought I misread it. Oh well.
 
Well I'm attempting to first fill in the equations that I have with as much data as possible.

Also, I forgot to add in another equation. m= -di/do

So I now have

(1/do)+(1/di)= 1/40

and since the magnification is 4x ("four times the size of the object")

I have 4= -di/do

what now?
 
Oh!

Maybe, do I set up a system of equations?

Just tried that----- came up with nothing...
 
About the system of equations. It is the right way to go.

ALSO, you have 2 different equations and 2 variables to solve for. Just go for it, everything you posted is correct.
 
  • #10
You should definitely learn how to solve a system simple as that.

It is for your own good. It is not a matter of ours.

\begin{cases}\frac{1}{d_o}+\frac{1}{d_i}=\frac{1}{40}\\4=-\frac{d_i}{d_o}\end{cases}
4=-\frac{d_i}{d_o}\Rightarrow{}d_i=-4d_o
\frac{1}{d_o}-\frac{1}{4d_o}=\frac{1}{40}
\frac{3}{4d_o}=\frac{1}{40}\Rightarrow{}4d_o=120\Rightarrow{}d_o=30
d_i=-4(30)=-120

Then, give the answer with the proper dimensions.

\begin{cases}d_o=30\;\text{cm}\\d_i=-120\;\text{cm}\end{cases}
 
  • #11
Thanks but I'm not sure how to apporach the second part of the question...

"Construct a ray diagram for this situation."
 

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