Ray Optics: Reflection and Mirrors
Reflection and Mirrors: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 23:
A dentist uses a spherical mirror to produce an upright image of a patient's tooth which is magnified by a factor of 4.5 when placed 1.8 cm from the tooth. (a) What type of mirror - concave or convex - is being used? (b) What is the focal length of the mirror?
Audio Guided Solution
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a. Concave mirror. Convex mirrors do not magnify the image; they only reduce the image.
b. 2.3 cm
b. 2.3 cm
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., do = 24.2 cm; di= 16.8 cm; f = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Reflection and Mirrors at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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