a convex mirror has a focal length of 18 cm . the image of an object kept in front of the mirror is half the height of the object . what isthe distance of the object from the mirror?
Hi Khushi Sinha, we can use mirror formula 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
By sign convention magnification m = image size / object size
So m = 1/2 * object size / object size = 1/2
Recall m = f /(f - u)
So 1/2 = 18 / (18 - u)
==> 18 - u = 36
OR - u = 18
Negative sign indicates that we measure object distance right from pole and opposite to the incident ray
So Distance of object in front of the mirror = 18 cm
Let us find the image distance too
Plug in 1/u + 1/v = 1/f
Here u = - 18 cm (by sign convention)
f = + 18 cm
Plugging - 1/18 + 1/v = 1/18
==> 1/v = 2/18
OR v = 9 cm
Here is the related diagram
By sign convention magnification m = image size / object size
So m = 1/2 * object size / object size = 1/2
Recall m = f /(f - u)
So 1/2 = 18 / (18 - u)
==> 18 - u = 36
OR - u = 18
Negative sign indicates that we measure object distance right from pole and opposite to the incident ray
So Distance of object in front of the mirror = 18 cm
Let us find the image distance too
Plug in 1/u + 1/v = 1/f
Here u = - 18 cm (by sign convention)
f = + 18 cm
Plugging - 1/18 + 1/v = 1/18
==> 1/v = 2/18
OR v = 9 cm
Here is the related diagram
