What is the length of Joe's image in the mirror?

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Joe, who is 1.6 meters tall, encounters a large convex mirror with a radius of curvature of 30 meters, positioned at ground level. Initially startled by his image after turning around, he falls forward, changing the orientation of his height in relation to the mirror. The discussion involves calculating the length of Joe's image after he falls, using the mirror formula and magnification equations. After applying the equations for both his head and feet, the calculated length of his image is 0.98 meters. The problem highlights the importance of considering the angle and position when using mirror equations.
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Homework Statement



A guy named Joe, who is 1.6 meters tall, enters a room in which someone has placed a large convex mirror with radius of curvature equal to 30 meters. The mirror has been cut in half, so that the axis of the mirror is at ground level. As Joe enters the room, he is 5 meters in front of the mirror, but he is looking the other way, so he fails to see it. When he turns around, he is startled by his own image in the mirror. ( i calculated 8.75m for this answer and its correct.)
NOW:
Joe is so startled by his image that he falls forward. (Assume that his feet stay at the same position.)

Now what is the length (i.e., the distance from head to toe) of Joe's image


Homework Equations



1/f = 1/s' + 1/s

m = y'/y = s'/s

The Attempt at a Solution



f = 15m

I calculated 1.2 and got this as a reply to my wrong answer:
This was Joe's height when standing. Since he has fallen, his length is now parallel to the axis of the mirror instead of perpendicular. Therefore, the normal magnification equation does not apply. See the hint for help

I now have two chances left for a correct answer. I do not know what I am doing wrong. I am sure I am just not thinking of something simple again.

please help.

here is picture:
101033B.jpg

 
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Hi jcvince17!
jcvince17 said:
1/f = 1/s' + 1/s

Just use that equation twice: once for his feet, and once for his head. :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi jcvince17!


Just use that equation twice: once for his feet, and once for his head. :wink:


doing so i get:

1/-15 = 1/s' + 1/3.4
s' (head) = -2.77

1/-15 = 1/s' + 1/5
s' (feet) = -3.75

so i subtract these two numbers and have an answer of 0.98 m

Thank You!
 
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