Concave Mirror Image Magnification Calculation

In summary, to determine the object position for an upright image five times the size of the subject in a concave mirror with a focal length of 33.5 cm, you can use the equations m=-(di/do) and (1/di)+(1/do)=1/f, where m is the magnification, di is the image distance, do is the object distance, and f is the focal length. By substituting di=5do and solving for do, you can find that the object position is -5.877191 cm.
  • #1
Kris1120
42
0

Homework Statement



A concave mirror has a focal length of
33.5 cm.
Determine the object position for which the
resulting image is upright and five times the
size of the subject.
Answer in units of cm.

Homework Equations



m=-(di/do)

(1/di)+(1/do)= 1/f

The Attempt at a Solution



1/do = (1/35) - (1/5) = -0.170149
do= -5.87719
 
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  • #2
1/do = (1/35) - (1/5) = -0.170149

You're assuming di is 5 cm here, which isn't true.
 
  • #3
I don't know how to solve for one without the other?
 
  • #4
You can write di in terms of do and m (using the magnification equation you had).

Then, substitute that for di in the "1/f=..." equation.
 

Related to Concave Mirror Image Magnification Calculation

1. What is the radius of curvature of a concave mirror?

The radius of curvature of a concave mirror is the distance between the center of the mirror and its focal point. It is half the distance of the diameter of the sphere that the mirror's surface is a part of.

2. How is the radius of a concave mirror determined?

The radius of a concave mirror can be determined by measuring the distance between the center of the mirror and its focal point. It can also be calculated using the mirror's focal length, which is half the radius of curvature.

3. What is the significance of the radius of curvature in a concave mirror?

The radius of curvature of a concave mirror is important because it affects the magnification and image formation produced by the mirror. A shorter radius of curvature results in a larger magnification and a closer focal point, while a longer radius of curvature produces a smaller magnification and a farther focal point.

4. Can the radius of curvature of a concave mirror be negative?

Yes, the radius of curvature of a concave mirror can be negative if the focal point is in front of the mirror instead of behind it. This is known as a diverging or negative concave mirror, and it produces virtual images that are smaller and upright.

5. How does the radius of curvature affect the focal length of a concave mirror?

The focal length of a concave mirror is half of the radius of curvature. This means that a shorter radius of curvature results in a shorter focal length, while a longer radius of curvature produces a longer focal length. This relationship is important in determining the magnification and position of the image formed by a concave mirror.

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