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

In summary, the magnification of a magnifier is 9x when an object is held at the near point distance of 25 cm from the lens. The magnification is increased to 2.8x when the object is held at the normal adjustment distance of f.
  • #1
romeIAM
8
1

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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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
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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  • #4
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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  • #5
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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  • #6
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.
 

1. What is the near point distance of 25cm?

The near point distance is the closest distance at which an object can be clearly seen without any visual aid, such as glasses or contacts. For most people, this distance is around 25cm.

2. How is the near point distance measured?

The near point distance is typically measured using a visual acuity test, where the individual is asked to read a series of letters or numbers from a chart placed at various distances. The distance at which the individual can read the smallest letters or numbers without any visual aid is considered their near point distance.

3. How does the near point distance change with age?

The near point distance tends to increase with age, meaning that the distance at which an object can be seen clearly without visual aid becomes farther away. This is due to a natural decline in the flexibility of the eye's lens, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina.

4. Can the near point distance be affected by other factors?

Yes, the near point distance can be affected by various factors such as eye diseases, injuries, and certain medications. Additionally, prolonged use of electronic devices or reading in dim lighting can also temporarily affect the near point distance.

5. Is a near point distance of 25cm considered normal?

Yes, a near point distance of 25cm is considered normal for most individuals. However, it can vary depending on factors such as age and overall eye health. It is always best to consult with an eye specialist if there are any concerns about the near point distance.

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