Where to Position an Object for a 2.5x Erect Image in a Concave Mirror?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vidatu
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To achieve a 2.5x erect image using a concave mirror, the object must be placed within the focal length of the mirror. The relevant equations include the mirror formula and magnification, which lead to the conclusion that the image distance is negative while the object distance is positive. The calculations initially led to confusion regarding the signs, but the correct approach confirms that the image distance can be found using the derived relationships. Ultimately, the solution indicates that the object should be positioned at a distance of (3/5)f from the mirror. The discussion concludes with the user realizing their earlier calculation errors and confirming the solution.
Vidatu
Messages
63
Reaction score
0
Really simple question about mirrors

Homework Statement



Where must you place an object in front of a concave mirror with radius R so that the image is erect and 2.5 times the size of the object? Where is the image?

Homework Equations



1/s + 1/s' = 2/R
m = h'/h = -s'/s

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the object will be within the focal length of the mirror, and the image will be virtual. However, I'm having problems with the signs of my values. I know that the object distance will be positive, the radius of curvature will be positive, and the image distance will be negative. What's the right way to put this into the equations?

From m = h'/h = -s'/s I get s = -s'/2.5, and from there, I substitute s into 1/s + 1/s' = 2/R to get 1/s - 1/(s'/2.5) = 2/R. This gives me s' = -3/4 R. I don't think this is right, as I get a negative object distance and positive image distance, which shouldn't happen. Can anyone give me some help with this?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone able to help with this?
 
No help at all?
 
My earlier post deleted. Possibly wrong calculation.
 
Hmm. I think I may have been really, really stupid with this. Anyone who wants a good laugh at me, look at my calculations again. Yeah, I really thought, after writing that out and typing it in that that negative was a positive. And that two negatives make another negative. Wow, go me.

In any case, this is done. How exactly do I mark it as solved?
 
Reposting it: quite correct.

Source is at (3/5)f.

1/do + 1/di = i/f and -di/do = 2.5.

You can find di now.
 
Oh, we must have been typing at the same time (almost).
 
Back
Top