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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the placement of an object in front of a concave mirror to achieve an erect image that is 2.5 times the size of the object. The problem involves concepts from optics, specifically the behavior of concave mirrors and image formation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the mirror equation and magnification formula but encounters confusion regarding the signs of the distances involved. Some participants question the calculations and the implications of negative distances in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations, with some participants providing insights into the relationships between object distance, image distance, and magnification. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach, and there appears to be a mix of attempts to clarify the situation and share corrections.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of sign conventions in optics, particularly regarding the distances in the mirror equation. The original poster also reflects on potential errors in their calculations, indicating a learning process in understanding the problem setup.

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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?
 
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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).
 

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