Optics of the magnifying glass

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the optics of a magnifying glass, specifically focusing on the distances at which an observer can see a small object clearly. The problem involves understanding the relationships between focal length, object distance, and image distance in the context of a magnifying lens.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the mirror equation to the scenario, questioning whether it is appropriate for a magnifying glass setup. There is discussion about identifying the minimum and maximum distances for clear vision based on the observer's near and far points.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested drawing a diagram to visualize the relationships between the magnifying lens, the eye, and the image formation. There is an ongoing exploration of the parameters involved, with guidance offered on how to approach the problem using known values and the lens formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of distinguishing between two scenarios: one where the eye is accommodated for viewing at infinity and another for viewing at 25 cm. There is also mention of missing parameters that need to be identified to progress in the problem-solving process.

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Homework Statement


An observer looks at a small object using a magnifying glass with the focal length of 12cm. Distance from his eye to the magnifying glass is 1cm. The shortest distance at which he sees clearly is 25cm and the largest is when the image of the object is in the distance infinite. Minimal and maximal values of the distance of the object from the magnifying glass at which the object is seen clearly is...

Homework Equations


##\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{p}+\frac{1}{q}## - the mirror equation

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know if the mirror equation can be applied here and to be honest i don't know what these information tell me...
Focal length is given and the ##1cm## is supposed to be the ##p## in the equation, the distance of the observer to the glass, right? I am not sure of what the smalest and the largest distance of clear sight are...could you help?
 
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Look up "near point" and "far point".
In order to see the image - what is the minimum distance it can be from his eye?
What is the object position that will put the image there?
It's that kind of thing.
 
The lens is to be used to form images of the small object 25 cm and very far (inifinite) from the observer.
These are the minimal and maximal points of clear vision.
 
Firye Stanly said:

Homework Statement


An observer looks at a small object using a magnifying glass with the focal length of 12cm. Distance from his eye to the magnifying glass is 1cm. The shortest distance at which he sees clearly is 25cm and the largest is when the image of the object is in the distance infinite. Minimal and maximal values of the distance of the object from the magnifying glass at which the object is seen clearly is...
There are two problems: one where the eye is accommodated to infinity and the other where it's accommodated to 25 cm.

I suggest drawing the complete picture. This includes the magnifying lens, the eye lens and the eye retina. So you might have

f1 = focal length of mag. lens;
p1 = distance from object to mag. lens
q1 = distance from mag. lens to (real) first image;
f2 = focal length of eye lens;
p2 = distance from 1st image to eye lens; and
q2 = distance from eye lens to retina (where tyher second real image is finally formed.

So, apply the mirror (actually also the lens) formula. Figure out what parameters you know and don't know (for example, you don't know f2 or q2 but what about the rest?) Your goal is to compute p1.
 

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