The discussion revolves around the optics of a lens with a focal length of 0.3m and the placement of an object in relation to a plane mirror positioned 0.2m behind the lens. Participants are exploring why placing the object at the focal point is considered optimal for image formation.
The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying the implications of placing the object at the focal point. Some guidance has been offered regarding the behavior of rays, but there is still exploration of the underlying concepts without a clear consensus on the outcomes.
Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which includes specific distances for the lens and mirror. There is an emphasis on ray diagrams and the thin lens formula as part of the discussion framework.
If the object is at the focus, what can you say about the rays from a given point on the object after they have passed through the lens?phantomvommand said:Homework Statement:: A lens has a focal length of 0.3m. A plane mirror is placed 0.2m behind the lens. Where must an object be placed, for its image to coincide with its position?
Relevant Equations:: Ray diagrams
thin lens formula
Apparently, it must be placed at the focus (0.3m away from the lens). Why is this so?
Won't the rays that emerge from the lens all be parallel to each other? But the rays hit the mirror at different points. How will the reflected paths then reconverge to form the image?haruspex said:If the object is at the focus, what can you say about the rays from a given point on the object after they have passed through the lens?
Follow their path on to the mirror and back through the lens.
I see what you mean. Thank you very muchharuspex said:If the object is at the focus, what can you say about the rays from a given point on the object after they have passed through the lens?
Follow their path on to the mirror and back through the lens.