Solve Ray Tracing Problem: Image Location for 6.3 cm from Convex Mirror

[BuBbLeS01]

Ray Tracing...HELP!

Homework Statement

An object is 6.3 cm from a convex mirror with a focal length of 10 cm. Use ray tracing to determine the location of its image.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

1/f = 1/s + 1/s'
1/f - 1/s = 1/s'
1/10 - 1/6.3 = -0.0587 cm ^ -1 = -17.027 cm

what am I doing wrong?

 

[BuBbLeS01]

got it!

 

[Moetasim]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out for help with your ray tracing problem. Let me first start by saying that the equations and steps you have used are correct. However, there is one small error in your calculation.

When you plug in the values for the focal length (f) and object distance (s), you should get:

1/10 - 1/6.3 = -0.0587 cm^-1 = -17.027 cm^-1

But when you solve for the image distance (s'), remember to take the inverse of this value to get the correct positive value for the image distance.

So, the correct calculation should be:

1/s' = 0.0587 cm^-1

s' = 17.027 cm

Therefore, the image location is 17.027 cm from the convex mirror.

I hope this helps! Remember to always double check your calculations and units to avoid any errors. Happy ray tracing!