Width of Pinhole Camera Aperture for 12cm Spot Light

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SUMMARY

The width of the aperture for a pinhole camera that creates a 12cm wide spot of light from a point source 2.0m away is determined through the principles of similar triangles. The correct setup involves using the equation of magnification, where the height of the image (h_i) is 0.12m, the object distance (s_o) is 2.0m, and the image distance (s_i) is 1.0m. The correct calculation shows that the aperture width (h_o) is 0.08m. The error in the initial calculation stemmed from using incorrect ratios in the proportion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optics principles, specifically similar triangles
  • Familiarity with magnification equations in optics
  • Basic knowledge of pinhole camera construction and function
  • Ability to manipulate ratios and proportions in mathematical problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of similar triangles in optics
  • Learn about the magnification formula and its applications in camera systems
  • Explore the construction and design of pinhole cameras
  • Practice solving optics problems involving ratios and proportions
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Students studying optics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of pinhole cameras and light projection.

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A point source of light 2.0m away from the a pinhole camera creats a 12cm wide spot of light on the screen 1.0 deep inside the camera. How wide is the aperture of the camera.

I thought this was a magnification problem, so I set up the equation:

[tex]h_i = .12m, h_o = x, s_i = 1m, s_o = 2.0m[/tex]

[tex]\frac{h_i}{h_o} = \frac{s_i}{s_o}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{.12m}{x} = \frac{1m}{2m}[/tex]

[tex].24m = x[/tex] The answer is .08m. I'm getting many of these optics problems wrong and I don't know why. I need some help and several of the problems I have posted have gone without answers. I hope someone answers this one. Thank you for your help.
 
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The numerator on the right side should be 3 meters. You're trying to set up a proportion but you're not equating the correct ratios.
 
Yes, I just realized this, that should be 3/2 not 1/2. Screwed up my similar triangles... Thank you so much..
 

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