Thin lense combined with a concave mirror

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the lens formula and magnification in the context of a thin lens combined with a concave mirror. The user initially struggles with the equations, particularly the focal length of a diverging lens, which is negative. After clarification, they correctly derive the image distance as i = -0.6f, aligning with their ray diagram. The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating virtual images as objects for further calculations in optics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the lens formula: 1/f = 1/i + 1/p
  • Knowledge of magnification concepts: m = -i/p
  • Familiarity with ray diagrams in optics
  • Concept of virtual images and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of diverging lenses and their focal lengths
  • Learn how to construct and interpret ray diagrams for combined optical systems
  • Explore the concept of virtual images in more depth
  • Investigate the behavior of light when passing through multiple optical elements
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for physics exams, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to lenses and mirrors.

hmsmatthew
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Homework Statement



Untitled.png


Homework Equations



1/f=1/i + 1/p
m=-i/p

Where m is magnification, i is image distance, p is object distance, and f is the focal length.

The Attempt at a Solution



1/f = 1/1.5f + 1/i
i=3f

I have also attempted to draw a ray diagram to use the image of the object through the lens as a starting point for the object to be reflected by the mirror. Using a conventional ray diagram i cannot equal 3f, this does not make sense with a diverging lense. My diagram has gone nowhere and i cannot upload it with ease.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Physics final exam is next week !
 
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hmsmatthew said:
1/f = 1/1.5f + 1/i
i=3f
Realize that for a diverging lens the focal length is negative.
 
Doc Al said:
Realize that for a diverging lens the focal length is negative.

yes i realize this, and the image is also virtual and negative. i thought algebraically you treat the variables as if they are unknown when solving for something ?
 
hmsmatthew said:
yes i realize this, and the image is also virtual and negative.
But your equation does not reflect that fact.
i thought algebraically you treat the variables as if they are unknown when solving for something ?
The focal length is not an unknown.
 
Doc Al said:
But your equation does not reflect that fact.

The focal length is not an unknown.

Ok i think i have the answer now. I think its safe to say -1/f = +1/1.5f + 1/i which gives i=-0.6f

This agrees with my ray diagram.

From there i think i can treat each image as if it were an object for the reflection and refraction. In this way i can get image 2 and image 3. Only trouble is, image 1 is behind the lens, so not sure if i can treat it as a object and pretend the lens isn't there hmmmm ?

:)
 
hmsmatthew said:
Ok i think i have the answer now. I think its safe to say -1/f = +1/1.5f + 1/i which gives i=-0.6f

This agrees with my ray diagram.

From there i think i can treat each image as if it were an object for the reflection and refraction. In this way i can get image 2 and image 3.
All good.
Only trouble is, image 1 is behind the lens, so not sure if i can treat it as a object and pretend the lens isn't there hmmmm ?
That's exactly what you need to do.
 

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