Mirror Image: Solving for Object Height & Location

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a convex mirror, where the height and location of an object are to be determined based on the given image height and focal length.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length using the mirror formula. There are attempts to calculate the object height and distance, with some questioning the validity of the results based on the properties of convex mirrors.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing calculations and others questioning the assumptions made regarding the focal length of the convex mirror. There is acknowledgment of the need to clarify the signs used in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the properties of convex mirrors, specifically that they produce reduced images, which is a point of confusion for some participants. Additionally, the accuracy of the input values used in calculations is under scrutiny.

myoplex11
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Homework Statement



an image in a convex mirror is 12cm tall and 30cm from the mirror.IF the focal length is 50cm, where is the object and how tall.

Homework Equations



(1/f)=(1/do)+(1/di)
M= hi/ho =-di / do

The Attempt at a Solution


i got 7.5cm for the object height but a convex mirror always gives a reduced image?
 
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Hi myoplex11,

It's difficult to follow since you did not post the actual numbers that you used.

However, I think the problem is that you either put in the incorrect image distance, or the incorrect focal length.
 
here is my work:
(1/do)=1/50 - (-1/30)
do=18.75
ho= - (18.75/-30)*12 = 7.5
 
Since this is a convex mirror, what do you know about the focal length?
 
i am not sure
 
oh yeah focul length is negative thanks.
 

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