Ray Optics Question #1: Concave Mirror Image Formation

In summary, ray optics is the study of light and its behavior in straight lines through different mediums. The laws of reflection and refraction govern the angles of light rays as they pass through these mediums. Images are formed through the interaction of light with mirrors and lenses, with the type of image depending on the object's position and medium characteristics. Convex and concave lenses have different shapes and create different types of images. Snell's law is used to determine the angle of light refraction as it travels through different mediums.
  • #1
sphouxay
18
0

Homework Statement



An object is 12 cm in front of a concave mirror with a focal length of 21 cm .

Locate the image in s'
Is the image upright or inverted?

Homework Equations


willl get back with it


The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure where to start, this should be a simple problem
 
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  • #2
There is a standard equation relating the focal length to the object and image distances. It should be in your textbook. It's the same equation that is used for a lens .

Hope that helps get you started.
 
  • #3
but I am a little confused.

I would start by understanding the basics of ray optics and mirror image formation. Concave mirrors are curved mirrors with a reflective surface on the inside, and they are able to form images by reflecting light rays. The focal length of a concave mirror is the distance between the mirror and its focal point, where parallel light rays converge after reflection. This is an important concept to keep in mind when solving this problem.

Now, to find the image formed by a concave mirror, we can use the mirror equation: 1/s + 1/s' = 1/f, where s is the distance of the object from the mirror, s' is the distance of the image from the mirror, and f is the focal length of the mirror.

In this problem, we are given that s = 12 cm and f = 21 cm. Plugging these values into the equation, we get: 1/12 + 1/s' = 1/21. Solving for s', we get s' = 28 cm. This means that the image is formed 28 cm behind the mirror.

To determine whether the image is upright or inverted, we can use the magnification equation: M = -s'/s, where M is the magnification of the image. A negative value for M indicates an inverted image, while a positive value indicates an upright image.

In this case, M = -28/12 = -7/3, which means the image is inverted. This is because the image is formed beyond the focal point of the mirror, which is a characteristic of concave mirrors.

In summary, the image formed by the concave mirror in this problem is located 28 cm behind the mirror and it is inverted.
 

Related to Ray Optics Question #1: Concave Mirror Image Formation

1. What is ray optics?

Ray optics is the study of light and how it behaves as it travels in straight lines, or rays, through various mediums such as air, water, and glass.

2. What are the laws of reflection and refraction?

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, while the law of refraction states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is constant for a given pair of mediums.

3. How are images formed in ray optics?

Images are formed in ray optics through the interaction of light rays with different mediums, such as mirrors and lenses. The type of image formed (real or virtual, inverted or upright) depends on the position of the object and the characteristics of the medium.

4. What is the difference between a convex and concave lens?

A convex lens is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, causing it to converge light rays and create real, inverted images. A concave lens is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges, causing it to diverge light rays and create virtual, upright images.

5. How is Snell's law used in ray optics?

Snell's law is used to determine the angle of refraction of a light ray as it passes from one medium to another. This law is important in understanding the behavior of light as it travels through different mediums, such as from air to water or from air to glass.

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