Concave Mirror Lens Ray Diagram

In summary, the question involves a person who is 1.62 m tall and wants to see their full image in a plane mirror. The minimum height of the mirror and the distance above the floor it should be placed are being asked. Equations are not needed for this problem, as the solution involves using the fact that light reflects at the same angle it arrived at. A ray diagram can be used to help visualize the problem, and by using similar triangles, the solution can be determined.
  • #1
petern
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0

Homework Statement



A person 1.62 m tall wants to be able to see her full image in a plane.
a) What must be the minimum height of the mirror?
b) How far above the floor should it be placed, assuming that the top of the person's head is 15 cm above her eye level? Draw a ray diagram.

Homework Equations



None required...

The Attempt at a Solution



I did 1.62 / 2 but that's too easy to be right. I know the ray diagram would be a concave mirror though.
 
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  • #2
The question states a plane (ie flat) mirror.
All you need to know is that the light reflects from the mirror at the same angle to the normal that it arrived.
You have two limiting rays, one from the eyes to the top of the head, and one from the eyes to the feet.
Sketch the diagram and start playing with similair triangles.
 
  • #3
I'm assuming I need to use angles but I really can't tell what is is from the sketch.
 

Related to Concave Mirror Lens Ray Diagram

1. What is a concave mirror lens ray diagram?

A concave mirror lens ray diagram is a graphical representation that shows the path of light rays as they reflect off a concave mirror. It is used to determine the location and size of images formed by the mirror.

2. How do you draw a concave mirror lens ray diagram?

To draw a concave mirror lens ray diagram, you first draw a horizontal line that represents the principal axis of the mirror. Then, mark the center of the mirror on the axis. Next, draw a vertical line from the top of the object to the principal axis. From the top of the object, draw two rays parallel to the principal axis and reflect them off the mirror. The point where the two reflected rays intersect is the location of the image.

3. What does the shape of a concave mirror lens ray diagram tell us?

The shape of a concave mirror lens ray diagram tells us about the characteristics of the image formed by the mirror. If the image is located beyond the focal point, it will be inverted and real. If the image is located between the focal point and the mirror, it will be enlarged and virtual. If the image is located at the focal point, it will be a point of light.

4. How does the position of the object affect the concave mirror lens ray diagram?

The position of the object affects the concave mirror lens ray diagram by determining the location and size of the image. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, the image will be inverted and real. If the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, the image will be enlarged and virtual. If the object is placed at the focal point, the image will be a point of light.

5. What are the uses of a concave mirror lens ray diagram?

A concave mirror lens ray diagram is used to determine the location and size of images formed by a concave mirror. It is also used to understand the principles of reflection and to analyze optical systems. It has applications in various fields such as astronomy, microscopy, and ophthalmology.

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