Nearsightedness and Plane Mirrors

  • Thread starter Thread starter negatifzeo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mirrors Plane
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a nearsighted python and a plane mirror. The python, measuring 13.0 feet in length, can see clearly up to 29.0 feet. To determine how close the python's head must be to the mirror to see its tail's reflection, the distance from the tail to the mirror must be calculated, taking into account the python's nearsightedness. The key insight is that the image of the tail must be within the python's clear vision range of 29.0 feet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics, specifically reflection in mirrors.
  • Knowledge of distance measurement in physics problems.
  • Familiarity with the concept of nearsightedness and its implications on vision.
  • Ability to interpret and create diagrams for physics problems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of reflection and image formation in plane mirrors.
  • Learn how to apply the concept of nearsightedness in practical scenarios.
  • Practice solving similar physics problems involving distances and reflections.
  • Explore the use of diagrams in solving complex physics problems for better visualization.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of reflection and vision concepts.

negatifzeo
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 13.0 foot long, nearsighted python is stretched out perpendicular to a plane mirror, admiring its reflected image. If the greatest distance to which the snake can see clearly is 29.0 ft, how close must its head be to the mirror for it to see a clear image of its tail?




The Attempt at a Solution


I tried the obvious and easiest approach which of course yields an incorrect answer. Seems to me to just take 29-13. Obviously the nearsightedness comes into this problem somewhere, but I don't know how to use that information to obtain an answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi negatifzeo,

Let's say the snake's head is some distance d from the mirror, so that in this problem d is what we want to find. The snake is stretched out straight away from the mirror; what is the distance from the snake's tail to the mirror? Where is the location of the image of it's tail?

Once you have that, remember that if the snake wants to see the image of its tail, the image must not be any farther than 29 ft from its eyes. What then does d need to be so that it can see the image of the tail?
 
Hi negatifzeo! :smile:

I can't add anything to what alphysicist has said, except:

:smile: ALWAYS DRAW A DIAGRAM! :smile:​
 

Similar threads

Plane Mirror - Distance to Focus for Clear Selfie
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Understanding the Math Behind A: Minimum Length of Plane Mirror
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Simple Optics Problem (plane mirror and lens)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Mirror & Image Physics: Speed of Truck Image to Driver
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
Solving an Optics Problem: Convex Lens, Plane Mirror, and Virtual Image
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why Can't Observer See Image 4 & 3 in 2 Plane Mirrors?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Distance and your image on a mirror?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
12K
Forming Images with a Plane Mirror
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
11K
How Does a 30-Degree Tilted Mirror Affect Viewing a Full Body Image?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
What is the length of Joe's image in the mirror?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
23K