Which type of image does a solar oven and search light produce?

AI Thread Summary
Concave mirrors are utilized in both solar ovens and searchlights, but they produce different types of images based on the object's position relative to the focal point. A searchlight generates a virtual image, allowing the Bat Symbol to be visible in the sky, while a solar oven produces a real image of the sun at its focus, which is not directly visible. The distinction between real and virtual images is influenced by the object's placement; for example, objects at the focal point create virtual images, while those beyond the center of curvature yield real images. Understanding these principles requires knowledge of optics, suggesting that consulting an optics textbook could clarify these concepts further. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of the object's location in determining the type of image produced by concave mirrors.
leehom
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Both use concave mirrors... however; I'm not sure which one produces a virtual image and which one produces a real image??
 
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Here's the actual question: Concave mirrors are used in searchlights and solar ovens. Draw two diagrams to show the path of light in each case.
 
I'm not sure I know the right answer, but I'd start by remembering that you can see the Bat Symbol on the clouds when using the Bat Searchlight in Gotham City. And you can't see the image of the sun that is formed at the focus of a solar oven.
 
leehom said:
Both use concave mirrors... however; I'm not sure which one produces a virtual image and which one produces a real image??

Heres a little hit:

Since a concave mirror can produce both real and virtual images. Surely the type of image produced has something to do with regards to how the object is located with respect to the focal point. One needs to ask the question; what are the distinguishing characteristics of these types of images.
 
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So far, I've figured out that the object is placed at the focal point for the car headlight... and I'm guessing that the object in a solar oven would be beyond the centre of curvature
 
I'm thinking that the OP and I should stop guessing. Anybody got an optics textbook handy?
 

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