Magnification at a Different Distance from Mirror?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating magnification when a person moves away from a mirror. Initially, with a focal length of 0.36 m and a distance of 12.0 cm, the magnification is 1.50. When the person moves to a distance of 3.7 times the focal length, the magnification changes to -0.62 at a distance of 2.6 times the focal length. The signs of magnification indicate that real images are inverted, while virtual images are upright, leading to confusion regarding the nature of the images produced.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mirror equations, specifically 1/f = 1/di + 1/do
  • Knowledge of magnification formula di/do = m
  • Familiarity with concepts of real and virtual images
  • Basic grasp of optics and focal length
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of concave and convex mirrors
  • Learn about the sign conventions in optics
  • Explore the implications of magnification in different distances from mirrors
  • Investigate the relationship between object distance, image distance, and magnification
USEFUL FOR

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

DaveMann
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The focal length between a person and his mirror that produces a magnification of 1.50 when his face is 12.0 cm away is 0.36 m. He then moves to a distance of 3.7 times the focal length away from her mirror. What is the magnification now?

Homework Equations


di/do=m
1/f=1/di+1/do

The Attempt at a Solution


I've been trying to work this out on paper for the last hour. When his distance is 2.6 times the focal length, the magnification is -0.62. I can't figure out why that is though. There seems to be 2 variables.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The images can be real and virtual. One image is upside down, which one? What is the sign of magnification in case of a real image and in case of a virtual image?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K