Question about height of image and magnification

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the properties of image formation using a concave mirror, specifically analyzing an object that is 4.6 cm tall and positioned 16 cm from the center of curvature (C) of a mirror with a radius of 12 cm. The calculated image position is 9.6 cm, and the magnification (M) is -0.6, indicating that the image height (Hi) is -2.76 cm. This negative value confirms that the image is inverted and real, as a positive distance (di) signifies a real image, while a negative distance indicates a virtual image.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of concave mirrors and their properties
  • Familiarity with the mirror formula and magnification equations
  • Knowledge of image characteristics (real vs. virtual, inverted vs. erect)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations related to optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mirror formula: 1/f = 1/do + 1/di
  • Learn about the sign conventions in optics for mirrors
  • Explore the concept of magnification in detail, including its implications
  • Investigate the differences between real and virtual images in concave mirrors
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of light and image formation in concave mirrors.

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Homework Statement



so if the original object is 4.6 cm tall located at x = 0 and it's a concave mirror

distance from C to the object is 16 cm and Radius of the mirror is 12 cm



The Attempt at a Solution



to find the position of x image

i got 9.6 cm

then for magnification i got -.6 which is also equal to M = -di/do = Hi /Ho

so since the object is 4.6 tall the Hi is -2.76cm

so it's inverted? and it's real? since it's inside the mirror and the object

how can Hi be negative what does this mean if the di is negative it's virtural i think so the image is real

but should the height be in magnitude but what i got from the equation was -2.76cm

please explain

thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Positive di means the image is real.
Negative di means the image is virtual.

Negative magnification means the image is inverted.
Positive magnification means the image is erect.
 

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