Physics
Physics
Problem
A small light bulb is placed along the principal axis of a concave spherical mirror whose center of curvature lies on a horizontal optical bench. The bulb is successively positioned at three different locations: • Position I: 2.0 cm in front of the mirror, which is well inside the mirror’s focal length. • Position II: 9.0 cm in front of the mirror, between the focal point and the center of curvature. • Position III: 25 cm in front of the mirror, beyond the center of curvature. For each position the resulting image is observed on a movable screen when possible. a. For Position I, describe whether the image is real or virtual, upright or inverted, and enlarged or reduced. Support your answer qualitatively with reference to the behavior of at least two principal rays. b. For Position II, describe each of the three image characteristics requested in part (a). Explain your reasoning. c. For Position III, answer the same three questions and justify your conclusions. d. Compare the orientations of the images in the three trials and explain how the relative location of the object with respect to the focal point determines those orientations.Intuitive explanation
The mirror equation connects object distance, image distance, and focal length—but the type of image you get depends on where the object sits relative to the focal point and center of curvature. When the object is inside the focal length, the mirror produces a virtual image (no screen needed); between focal point and center, you get a real, magnified image; beyond the center, you get a real, diminished image. Your job is to predict which positions yield real images on a screen and calculate where that screen must be placed.
Intuitive explanation
The mirror equation connects object distance, image distance, and focal length—but the type of image you get depends on where the object sits relative to the focal point and center of curvature. When the object is inside the focal length, the mirror produces a virtual image (no screen needed); between focal point and center, you get a real, magnified image; beyond the center, you get a real, diminished image. Your job is to predict which positions yield real images on a screen and calculate where that screen must be placed.