Near Point Distance of 25cm, how far should object be?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the object distance (Do) for a magnifier with a magnification (M) of 9×, when the image distance (Di) is set at 25 cm. The correct formula to use is Do = Di / M, which leads to an object distance of 0.36 cm. Participants highlighted a common error in applying the magnification formula and emphasized the importance of checking calculations. Additionally, they discussed the implications of area versus linear magnification and the relationship between object distance and focal length.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnification formulas in optics
  • Familiarity with image distance and object distance concepts
  • Basic knowledge of lens behavior and focal length
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and dimensional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length in lenses
  • Learn about area magnification versus linear magnification in optical systems
  • Explore the concept of normal adjustment in optical instruments
  • Review additional resources on optics, such as Hyperphysics, for deeper understanding
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding magnification and lens calculations in optical systems.

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Homework Statement


A magnifier has a magnification of

How far from the lens should an object be held so that its image is seen at the near-point distance of 25 cm?
Assume that your eye is immediately behind the lens.

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Homework Equations


M = Di/Do

M = 9
Di = 25 cm
Do = ?

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this problem would be straight forward. Just solve for Do so I ended up with Do = Di / M
Do = 25 cm / 9 which i i though equals 2.8 cm. But it is wrong. Where am i messing up?
 
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No, it's 0.36. Based on your equation . . .

M = Di / Do
9 = 25 / Do
9/25 = Do
0.36 = Do

Just a small math error. You should remember to check your work. Instead of Do = Di / M, it is Do = M / Di
 
ProfuselyQuarky said:
9 = 25 / Do
9/25 = Do
The second equation would be 9/25 = 1/Do.
Easy to see if you work with units, your result has inverse centimeters instead of centimeters, it cannot be right.

How does the magnifier work if the eye is directly behind the lens? Do you have a sketch?
 
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ProfuselyQuarky said:
No, it's 0.36. Based on your equation . . .

M = Di / Do
9 = 25 / Do
9/25 = Do
0.36 = Do

Just a small math error. You should remember to check your work. Instead of Do = Di / M, it is Do = M / Di
This makes no sense at all to me.

As far as the OP is concerned, I agree with that calculation. If it is the wrong answer, I can only guess that 9x might refer to the area magnification rather than the linear magnification.
 
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mfb said:
The second equation would be 9/25 = 1/Do.
Easy to see if you work with units, your result has inverse centimeters instead of centimeters, it cannot be right.

How does the magnifier work if the eye is directly behind the lens? Do you have a sketch?
Ah, okay, I see where I went wrong. I see where the OP is confused now, but now I'm confused, too.
ProfuselyQuarky said:
You should remember to check your work.
I should really listen to my own reproach. My apologies; I've had a really awful week.

Okay, so now I agree with the OP's calculations. I don't know why it's wrong.
 
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I'm always putting my foot in it, especially with errors like that. It's often easier to see other's errors than your own.

Having looked a bit further into this, I see there is a further possibility. The idea of area magnification does not seem to be common, so I'll leave that for now. But the magnification achieved by a lens does depend on where you hold the object and form the image.
The maximum mag is achieved when the image is at the near point and the object is nearer than f. That is the situation we are looking at here.
But "normal adjustment" of an optical instrument assumes the image is at ∞ and the object at f. This is supposed to be the most comfortable position, but gives a lower magnification.

Maybe, they are defining magnification at normal adjustment and asking us to find out the focal length, then use this to calculate the object distance for maximum magnification. (There is actually a simpler procedure, since it turns out that MNP = M + 1)
The magnification in normal adjustment, when the object is held at f, is
##M = \frac{\ angle\ subtended\ by\ the\ image\ }{\ angle\ subtended\ by\ object\ at\ closest\ viewing\ point\ }##

##M = \frac{\ the\ angle\ subtended\ by\ the\ object\ when\ at\ f\ }{\ the\ angle\ subtended\ by\ the\ object\ when\ at\ the\ NP\ }##

##M = \frac{ h}{f}## / ## \frac{h}{25cm}## = ##\frac{25cm}{f}##

Since this is a HW Q, I'll pause there. You can look these formulae up on Hyperphysics or somewhere, or ask for further explanation as you choose.
 

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