1. The mirror equation expresses the quantitative 1.
The mirror equation expresses the quantitative
relationship between the object distance (do), the relationship between the object distance (do), the
image distance (di), and the focal length (f). The image distance (di), and the focal length (f). The
equation is stated as follows: equation is stated as follows:
1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑓
=𝑝+ 𝑞 𝑓
=𝑝+ 𝑞
2. The Magnification equation relates the ratio of 2. The Magnification equation relates the ratio of
the image distance and object distance to the ratio of the image distance and object distance to the ratio of
the image height (hi) and object height (ho). The the image height (hi) and object height (ho). The
magnification equation is stated as follows: magnification equation is stated as follows:
ℎ′ −𝑞 ℎ′ −𝑞
ℎ
= 𝑝 ℎ
= 𝑝
3. These two equations can be combined to yield 3. These two equations can be combined to yield
information about the image distance and image height information about the image distance and image height
if the object distance, object height, and focal length if the object distance, object height, and focal length
are known. are known.
The Sign Conventions for Mirror The Sign Conventions for Mirror
f is positive (+) if the mirror is a concave mirror. f is positive (+) if the mirror is a concave mirror.
f is negative (-) if the mirror is a convex mirror. f is negative (-) if the mirror is a convex mirror.
q is (+) if the image is a real image and located on q is (+) if the image is a real image and located on
the object’s side of the mirror. the object’s side of the mirror.
q is (-) if the image is a virtual image and located q is (-) if the image is a virtual image and located
behind the mirror. behind the mirror.
h’ is (+) if the image is an upright image. h’ is (+) if the image is an upright image.
h’ is (-) if the image is an inverted image. h’ is (-) if the image is an inverted image.
EXAMPLES EXAMPLES
Given the following problem, solve for the distance and Given the following problem, solve for the distance and
size of image. size of image.
1. A 5.00 cm tall light bulb is placed at a distance 1. A 5.00 cm tall light bulb is placed at a distance
of 45.0 cm from a concave mirror having a focal length of 45.0 cm from a concave mirror having a focal length
of 10.5 cm. Determine the image distance and the of 10.5 cm. Determine the image distance and the
image size. image size.
2. What is the focal length of a convex mirror that 2. What is the focal length of a convex mirror that
produces an image that appears 15.0 cm behind the produces an image that appears 15.0 cm behind the
mirror when the object is 27.5 cm from the mirror? mirror when the object is 27.5 cm from the mirror?
EXERCISES EXERCISES
Solve the following problems about mirrors using the Solve the following problems about mirrors using the
mirror equation. mirror equation.
1. What is the image distance and image height if 1. What is the image distance and image height if
a 7.00 cm tall object is placed 30.0 cm from a concave a 7.00 cm tall object is placed 30.0 cm from a concave
mirror having a local length of 10.0 cm? mirror having a local length of 10.0 cm?
2. A magnified, inverted image is located a 2. A magnified, inverted image is located a
distance of 30.0 cm from a concave mirror with a focal distance of 30.0 cm from a concave mirror with a focal
length of 15.0 cm. What is the object distance? length of 15.0 cm. What is the object distance?
3. An object is placed 33.7 cm from the convex 3. An object is placed 33.7 cm from the convex
mirror with a focal length of 10.7 cm. Determine the mirror with a focal length of 10.7 cm. Determine the
image distance. image distance.
4. A 7.0 cm tall light bulb is placed a distance of 4. A 7.0 cm tall light bulb is placed a distance of
37.5 cm from a convex mirror having a focal length of 37.5 cm from a convex mirror having a focal length of
-12.5 cm. Determine the image distance and the image -12.5 cm. Determine the image distance and the image
size. size.
