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Mirror equation relates object distance, image distance, and mirror radius of curvature. It applies to both concave and convex mirrors, predicting image formation.
Formule
The calculator applies 1/f = 1/s_o + 1/s_i where f = R/2
- R
- R value — Variable used in the calculation
- f
- 1/s_o + 1/s_i where f = R/2 — 1/s_o + 1/s_i where f = R/2
Guide étape par étape
- 1Enter object distance and mirror radius, or two distances
- 2The calculator applies 1/f = 1/s_o + 1/s_i where f = R/2
- 3Results show image location, size, and orientation
Exemples résolus
Entrée
s_o = 20 cm, R = 30 cm
Résultat
s_i = 60 cm, magnification = 3×
Real inverted magnified image
Erreurs courantes à éviter
- ✕Using the wrong sign conventions for concave vs. convex mirrors
- ✕Assuming magnification directly relates to focal length
Questions fréquentes
Why is focal length half the radius of curvature?
For a spherical mirror, the focal point is at the geometric center, halfway between vertex and center of curvature.
What images do convex mirrors form?
Convex mirrors always form virtual, upright, diminished images. This is why they're used for wide-angle car mirrors.
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