How to Use the Mirror Equation to Solve Convex & Concave Problems in Optics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving optical problems using the mirror equation, specifically for concave and convex mirrors. Key formulas include the Gaussian form of the mirror equation, 1/do + 1/di = 2/R, where do is the object distance, di is the image distance, and R is the radius of curvature. Participants analyze various problems, including calculating the radius of curvature for a concave mirror and determining image locations for convex mirrors. The importance of careful algebraic manipulation and understanding of focal lengths is emphasized throughout the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the mirror equation: 1/do + 1/di = 2/R
  • Knowledge of focal length and its relationship to radius of curvature: R = 2f
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
  • Familiarity with concave and convex mirror properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the mirror equation in optics
  • Learn about the differences between real and virtual images in concave and convex mirrors
  • Explore the concept of magnification in mirror systems
  • Research practical applications of mirrors in everyday technology, such as cameras and telescopes
USEFUL FOR

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

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Problem 8.
A concave amkeup mirror is designed so that a person 28.7 cm in front of it sees an upright image ata distance of 51.1 cm behind the mirror.
What is the radius of curvature of the mirror? Answer in cm.
Note: What is the radius of curvature formula?

Problem 19.
A convex mirror of focal length 32 cm forms an image of a soda bottle at a distance of 19 cm behind the mirror. The height of the image is 7 cm.
Where is the image located? In units of cm.
Note: Where do I start?

Problem 23.
A spherical glass ornament is 7.44 cm in diameter. An object is placed 9.62 cm away from the ornament.
Where will its image form? In units of cm.
Note: What formula should I use?

Problem 32.
A concave spherical mirror can be used to project an image onto a sheet of paper, allowing the magnified image of an ulluminated real object to be accurately traced.
If you have a concave mirror with a focal length of 16 cm, where would you place a sheet of paper so that the image projected onto it is twice as far from the mirror as the object is? In units of cm.
Note: I don't know where to start/

Problem 38.
A convex mirror with a radius of curvature of 45.9 cm forms a 1.71 cm tall image of a pencil at a distance of 15 cm behind the mirror.
What is the height of the object? In units of cm.
Note: I don't know where to start!
 
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Problem 8:
(see http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/physics/u3b32phy.html )
According to this site, the curved mirror and lens equation (Gaussian form) is:

1/d_{o}+1/d_{i}=2/R

where d_{o} is the distance from the object to the vertex (mirror), d_{i} is the distance from the image to the vertex (mirror), and finally R is the radius of curvature.

Keep in mind that an image's focal length f is related to the radius of curvature according to:

R = 2f
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally posted by mustang
Problem 19.
A convex mirror of focal length 32 cm forms an image of a soda bottle at a distance of 19 cm behind the mirror. The height of the image is 7 cm.
Where is the image located? In units of cm.
Note: Where do I start?
I believe you have a typo in this problem. I'll assume the question is "Where is the OBJECT located?"

You are given the Focal Length f=32 and the distance from the image to the mirror d_{i} = 19 . Use the equation

1/d_{o}+1/d_{i}=2/R

and substitute

R = 2f

to find d_{o} .
 
Finally, I recommend three things so you can find the answers to the rest of these problems:

1) Review some of the webpage I mentioned above.
2) Review this web page for more info (and the sections it's linked to up the left side): http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/refln/u13l3a.html
3) Read your text.

Your questions smack of laziness. I'm not saying this IS the issue, but in 10 minutes of internet research I found two sites with leads the the answers to your questions. I assume you have a textbook and that it can offer some assistance, too.

:smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Problem 8.

So would it be 1/28.7+1/51.1 =2/R or
0.03483+0.019569=2/R
0.054399=2/R
0.054399(1/2)=R
0.027199=R
 


Originally posted by mustang
So would it be 1/28.7+1/51.1 =2/R or
0.03483+0.019569=2/R
0.054399=2/R
0.054399(1/2)=R
0.027199=R
Be careful of your algebra, mustang. You made a rather costly mistake between these two steps:

0.054399=2/R
0.054399(1/2)=R

Once you divide by 2 on both sides, the R is still 1/R.

(0.054399)(1/2)=1/R

then solving for R, you'll get

R = 2/0.054399

I was leery right off the bat when I saw that your answer for the radius of the mirror was a fraction of a cm! I'm sure you were, too.:wink:
 
Last edited:
The answer was wrong ):'

I did 2/0.054399=36.7653817 and that was wrong?
 
Based on the correct answer find out what went wrong. I didn't mislead you and the equation was right there...perhaps something was lost in translation?
 
In Regards to problem 32.

To start solving this problem I did 1/8.5=2/-q+1/q
then, 1/8.5=-1/q
q=-8.5
Is this right? I feeling that it isn't!

problem31.
A concave shaving mirror has a radius of curvature of 23.4 cm. Find the magnification of the image when an upright pencil is placed 6.11 cm from the mirror. Describe the image.
First, to find magnification: p=6.11
23.4=2f
11.7=f
So 11.7^-1-6.11^-1=ans^-1=-12.78837209.
Now for magnification:
M=-q/p
-(-12.78837209)/6.11=2.093023256


So to describe the image. Since i need to indicate if the image is virtual/real, smaller/larger, and upright/inverted? I got virtual upright larger. Is this right?
 
  • #10
On Problem 32 help! Due midnight!

I got f=11cm.
I figured out that the formula I should use is 1/f=1/p+1/q
so would it be 1/f=2/-q+1/q
If so i need help to go on if not i need more help please this is due by Midnight. :eek:
 

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