Optics: Thin Lenses - Determining Focal Length

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To determine the focal length of a magnifying glass, the image size is twice that of the object, and the object distance is 3.0 cm. The magnification (m) is set at 2, leading to a calculated image distance (di) of -6.00 cm, indicating a virtual image. However, the focal length calculation using the lens formula yields an incorrect result, suggesting a misunderstanding of the distances involved. The correct interpretation is that the 3.0 cm refers to the image distance, not the object distance, leading to the proper focal length of 3 cm. Understanding the distinction between object and image distances is crucial for accurate calculations in optics.
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Homework Statement



In the photo (which I cannot post now, but it is a magnifying glass, and a dollar bill) the images through the lens appears twice the size and it is at a distance of 3.0cm from the lens of the magnifying glass. Determine focal length.

Homework Equations



1. -di/do=m
2. 1/f=1/di+1/do


The Attempt at a Solution



Since twice the size m will be 2. Using equation 1:

di=-m*do
= -2*3.00cm
= -6.00cm

This makes sense since image is upright and virtual, and in lenses virtual images are negative.

When I calculate focal length,

1/f=1/-6+1/3
f=6

But this answer is wrong the answer is 3. What am I doing wrong or what do I not understand?

Thanks!
 
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genevievelily said:

Homework Statement



In the photo...the images through the lens appears twice the size and it is at a distance of 3.0cm from the lens of the magnifying glass. Determine focal length.

Perhaps the word "it" here refers to the image rather than the object.
 
The answer is clearly wrong. If the object was placed on the suggested focal point, 3 cm, the image would be real and located at infinity.
 
You will get the right answer if you interpret the distance of 3.0 cm as the magnitude of the distance from the lens to the image.
 
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