Optics did my professor screw up?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the radius of curvature for a mirror based on a scenario where a cat is 1 meter in front of the mirror, and a virtual image is formed 10 meters behind it. The correct approach involves using the mirror formula, 1/f = (1/do) + (1/di), with di being negative due to the virtual image. The correct calculation shows that the radius of curvature (R) should be 2.2 meters, confirming the answer key's validity when substituting di as -10.0 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mirror equations, specifically 1/f = (1/do) + (1/di)
  • Knowledge of focal length and radius of curvature relationships, f = ±(1/2)*R
  • Concept of virtual images in optics
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of virtual images in concave and convex mirrors
  • Learn about the derivation and application of the mirror formula
  • Explore the differences between real and virtual images in optics
  • Investigate the impact of object distance on image formation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone involved in understanding mirror properties and image formation.

Dart82
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Homework Statement


A cat is standing 1m in front of a mirror. a virtual image is formed 10.0m behind the mirror. what is the radius of curvature for the mirror?


Homework Equations


1/f = (1/do)+(1/di)
f=+/-(1/2)*R



The Attempt at a Solution


(1/1m + 1/10m)^-1 = .909
.909*2 = 1.82

According to my answer key, R should be equal to 2.2m. the only way i get that answer is if i take (1/do)+(1/di) and not take its reciprocal...i would just plug it straight into the focal length equation to solve for R. Did he make a mistake??
 
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Dart82 said:

Homework Statement


A cat is standing 1m in front of a mirror. a virtual image is formed 10.0m behind the mirror. what is the radius of curvature for the mirror?


Homework Equations


1/f = (1/do)+(1/di)
f=+/-(1/2)*R



The Attempt at a Solution


(1/1m + 1/10m)^-1 = .909
.909*2 = 1.82

According to my answer key, R should be equal to 2.2m. the only way i get that answer is if i take (1/do)+(1/di) and not take its reciprocal...i would just plug it straight into the focal length equation to solve for R. Did he make a mistake??

The image is virtual so di should be taken to be negative.
 
you miss substitution
di = -10.0 m :biggrin:
 

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