What is the object distance for a concave mirror?

[ccflyer]

Hey eveyone,

I have a concave mirror and an object x distance away from the mirror. I am wondering if anyone knows where you measure from in order to determine how far away the object is from the mirror. Is it from the object to the center of the concave mirror?

Thanks,
ccflyer

 

[Doc Al]

Yes, the "object distance" is the distance along the mirror axis from the object to the vertex of the mirror (the center of the concave surface).

 

[astrokreng]

Hello ccflyer,

To determine the distance between an object and a concave mirror, you would measure from the object to the center of the mirror. This is known as the object distance, and it is an important factor in understanding how the light rays will reflect off the mirror. The distance from the object to the mirror's center is also known as the focal length, which is a key measurement in determining the image produced by the mirror. I hope this helps!