Optics - spherical and plane mirror

In summary: The closest images are those which have a smaller distance to the mirror.Both orders will occur, and multiple images for each order as the light bounces back and forth between the mirrors.
  • #1
asteeves_
5
0

Homework Statement



A convex spherical mirror with a focal length of magnitude 24.0 cm is placed 22.0 cm to the left of a plane mirror. An object 0.300 cm tall is placed midway between the surface of the plane mirror and the vertex of the spherical mirror. The spherical mirror forms multiple images of the object.

-Where are the two images of the object formed by the spherical mirror that are closest to the spherical mirror?

-How tall is each image?

Homework Equations



(1) 1/f=1/s+1/s'
(2) y'/y = -s'/s

The Attempt at a Solution


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Using initial conditions and equation 1 I solved for the first s' (=-7.54), my next thought was to use this number in place of s and solve again for s' since the reflection off the plane mirrior will land right back where it was originally, however I am not getting the correct answer and am unsure what else to do.
 
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  • #2
asteeves_ said:
use this number in place of s and solve again for s' since the reflection off the plane mirrior will land right back where it was originally,
Not sure exactly what you are saying. s and s' are measured from the convex mirror, right? The image in the plane mirror should involve the distance to the plane mirror.
Also need to consider order of reflections, plane mirror first or convex first.
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Not sure exactly what you are saying. s and s' are measured from the convex mirror, right? The image in the plane mirror should involve the distance to the plane mirror.
Also need to consider order of reflections, plane mirror first or convex first.
How exactly do you determine the order of reflection?
 
  • #4
asteeves_ said:
How exactly do you determine the order of reflection?
Both orders will occur, and multiple images for each order as the light bounces back and forth between the mirrors.
Of all these, you are asked for the two images which a) involve at least one reflection in the spherical mirror and b) are nearest that mirror.
 

1. What is the difference between a spherical and plane mirror?

A spherical mirror has a curved surface, while a plane mirror has a flat surface. This curvature in a spherical mirror allows for magnification and distortion of reflected images, while a plane mirror reflects images with the same size and shape as the original object.

2. How does the shape of a spherical mirror affect the reflected image?

The shape of a spherical mirror determines the type of reflection that occurs. A concave spherical mirror reflects light rays inward, resulting in a magnified and upright image. On the other hand, a convex spherical mirror reflects light rays outward, producing a diminished and inverted image.

3. What is the focal length of a spherical mirror?

The focal length of a spherical mirror is the distance from the mirror to the point where all reflected light rays converge. It is determined by the radius of curvature of the mirror, with a shorter radius resulting in a shorter focal length.

4. Can spherical mirrors form real images?

Yes, both concave and convex spherical mirrors can form real images under certain conditions. A concave mirror can form a real image when the object is placed beyond the focal point, while a convex mirror can form a real image when the object is placed between the mirror and its focal point.

5. How is the magnification of a spherical mirror calculated?

The magnification of a spherical mirror can be calculated by dividing the height of the image by the height of the object. For a concave mirror, a positive magnification indicates an upright image, while a negative magnification indicates an inverted image. For a convex mirror, the magnification is always positive and indicates a diminished image.

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