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Question

Use the mirror equation to deduce that:
(a) an object placed between f and 2f of a concave mirror produces a real image beyond 2f.
(b) a convex mirror always produces a virtual image independent of the location of the object.
(c) the virtual image produced by a convex mirror is always diminished in size and is located between the focus and the pole.
(d) an object placed between the pole and focus of a concave mirror produces a virtual and enlarged image.
[Note: This exercise helps you deduce algebraically properties of images that one obtains from explicit ray diagrams.]

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Solution

a) For a concave mirror, the focal length (f) is negative.
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is negative
For image distance v we can write
1v+1u=1f
1v=1f1u ...(1)
The object lies between f and 2f.
2f<u<f
12f>1u>1f
12f<1u<1f
1f12f<1f1u .......(2)
from eq. 1
12f<1v<0 ; v is negative
2f>v
v>2f
Therefore, the image lies beyond 2f.

b) For a convex mirror, the focal length (f) is positive
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is negative
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula
1v+1u=1f
1v=1f1u
Using eq (2)
1v<0
v>0
Thus, the image is formed on the back side of the mirror.
Hence, a convex mirror always produces a virtual image, regardless of the object distance.

c) For a convex mirror, the focal length (f) is positive
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is negative
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula
1v+1u=1f
1v=1f1u
but u<0
therefore 1v>1f
v<f
Hence, the image formed is diminished and is located between the focus (f) and the pole

d) For a concave mirror, the focal length (f) is negative
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is negative
It is placed between the focus (f) and the pole
therefore f>u>0
1f<1u<0
1f1u
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula
1v+1u=1f
1v=1f1u
1v<0
v>0
The image is formed on the right side of the mirror. Hence, it is a virtual image
For u<0 and v>0, we can write:
1u>1v so v>u
magnification m=vu>1
Hence, the formed image is enlarged.

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