Light - reflection in two facing mirrors

AI Thread Summary
A plane mirror and a convex mirror are positioned 50 cm apart, with a candle placed 20 cm from the plane mirror. The problem involves calculating the focal length of the convex mirror, given that the distance between the two images in the plane mirror is 40 cm. The image in the convex mirror acts as a second object for the plane mirror, which is crucial for solving the problem. Ray tracing is suggested as a method to visualize the situation and aid in the calculations. Understanding these relationships is key to finding the solution.
HalcyonicBlues
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Hi, thanks for stopping by.I'm studying for an exam tomorrow, I would really appreciate even just a push in the right direction!

Homework Statement


A plane mirror and a convex mirror are placed facing each other and 50 cm apart. A candle is placed on the principal axis 20 cm from the plane mirror, as shown in Figure 17.31. If the distance between the two images in the plane mirror is 40 cm, calculate the focal length of the convex mirror.




Homework Equations


M = Hi/Ho = v/u
1/f = 1/v + 1/u


The Attempt at a Solution


I know I should have attempted a solution, but I read it over and over and I really don't know where to start! Firstly, what does it mean by "the distance between the two images"? Does the image in the convex mirror act as a second object to the plain mirror? I don't know what I'm saying...
 

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HalcyonicBlues said:
Firstly, what does it mean by "the distance between the two images"? Does the image in the convex mirror act as a second object to the plain mirror? I don't know what I'm saying...

Yes, the image in the convex mirror can be considered as a second object in the plane mirror. Try ray tracing to see what is going on.

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