Solving Optics Problem: Position of Image of Face Due to Reflection

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an optics problem involving the position of an image due to reflection in a bathroom mirror with a glass sheet of thickness d and an index of refraction n. For part a, the image position due to reflection from the front surface is determined to be at a distance of -h behind the glass. In part b, the correct position of the image due to reflection from the mirror surface is derived as h + 2d/n, with the participant initially miscalculating the factor of two in the d/n term. The relevant equations used include na/s + nb/s' = (nb - na)/R and 1/s + 1/s' = 1/f.

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  • Knowledge of the lens maker's equation and image formation
  • Proficiency in using the index of refraction in calculations
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Homework Statement


Consider a bathroom mirror with a glass sheet of thickness d and an index of refraction n. Your face is located at a distance h from the front surface of the galss sheet. a
a. find the position of the image of your face that you see due to the reflection from the front surface of the glass
b. find the position of the image of your face that you see due to the reflection from the mirror surface behind the glass. Take into accound the effects of refraction at the glass-air interface.


Homework Equations


na/s + nb/s' = (nb - na)/R
1/s + 1/s' = 1/f


The Attempt at a Solution


for part a, we know that the image is a distance of h behind the glass, thus s' = -h. However, I'm not sure what to do for the second part.
the answer to part b is h+2d/n, but I'm not sure how to get there. If someone could help me that would be much appreciated. Thank you
 
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I tried to do something else and I got close to the answer, but still not it:

first i did:

1/h+ n/s' = 0 (because R --> infinity for plane mirror)
s' = -nh
then I took the distance from the surface of the mirror to the glass, d, and subtracted s' from it to find the object distance for the mirror:

s2 = d+nh.
After reflection, we have s2' = -d-nh. Then using the 'relevant equation' to find the final image, i get

n/(-d-nh) =-1/(finalim)

final I am = (d+nh)/n => d/n + h.

So, I am off by a factor of two on the (d/n) term. I'm not sure what it is that I'm doing wrong. if someone could please help me out, that would be much appreciated.
 

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