Question on mirror and lens combinations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on solving a problem involving mirror and lens combinations using the lens formula 1/do + 1/di = 1/f. The initial calculations indicate that the first image formed is virtual, located behind the lens, while subsequent reflections also yield virtual images. A participant highlights confusion regarding the sign conventions for object and image distances, particularly in relation to the position of the original object. Clarification is provided that the sign conventions can vary, and it is essential to consistently apply them based on the chosen reference point. The importance of understanding these conventions is emphasized for accurate problem-solving in optics.
BlueCerealBox
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The question is attached in the jpeg file.

Homework Equations


1/do + 1/di = 1/f

The Attempt at a Solution


First reflection : 1/100 + 1/di = 1/80 , di = 400cm ( To the right of the lens )

This means that the image created is a virtual image since it is behind the lens.

So for second reflection : -1/300 + 1/di = -1/50 , di = -60cm ( To the right of the mirror )

The image is virtual , therefore for last reflection : -1/160 + 1/di = 1/80 , di = 53.3cm

I can't seem to be able to get the answer , if I took the object distance for the last reflection as positive. I do get the answer. But it does not make sense to me.

I usually have problems with these kind of questions as I'm unsure where is infront or behind the mirror? Is this defined by the original real object that causes the reflections to occur?
 

Attachments

  • LensMirror.jpg
    LensMirror.jpg
    31.2 KB · Views: 940
Physics news on Phys.org
BlueCerealBox said:

Homework Statement


The question is attached in the jpeg file.

Homework Equations


1/do + 1/di = 1/f

The Attempt at a Solution


First reflection : 1/100 + 1/di = 1/80 , di = 400cm ( To the right of the lens )

This means that the image created is a virtual image since it is behind the lens.

So for second reflection : -1/300 + 1/di = -1/50 , di = -60cm ( To the right of the mirror )

The image is virtual , therefore for last reflection : -1/160 + 1/di = 1/80 , di = 53.3cm

I can't seem to be able to get the answer , if I took the object distance for the last reflection as positive. I do get the answer. But it does not make sense to me.

I usually have problems with these kind of questions as I'm unsure where is infront or behind the mirror? Is this defined by the original real object that causes the reflections to occur?
Lenses refract light. And for this convex lens, the image formed will be real because the object distance is greater than the focal length.
Welcome to PF.
 
so i use a different sign convention than you , i take the center of the lens as origin and imagine a graph ,so at last reflection the object(the virtual image created by the mirror ) is to the right of the mirror so , i take the focal length of the convex lens as negative (if the center is origin the focal length is towards left so negative )
and the object distance is positive since it is to the right
by using the formula of lens 1/f = 1di - 1/do
i get 1/-80 = 1/v - 1/160
1/-80 + 1/160 = 1/v
after solving u get v = -160
so remember the sign conventions since the center is origin i got a negative value so the image lies to the left of the lens
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top