Math Problem Statement

Solve this science problem solving: grade 10

A bottle is held 10cm from a convex mirror whose radius is 40cm. At what distance will the image be formed?

Solution

To solve the problem of finding the image distance for a convex mirror, we will use the mirror formula:

1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}

Where:

  • ff is the focal length of the mirror,
  • uu is the object distance (distance of the bottle from the mirror),
  • vv is the image distance (the value we need to find).

Step 1: Determine the focal length

The focal length ff is related to the radius of curvature RR by the formula:

f=R2f = \frac{R}{2}

Given: R=40cmR = 40 \, \text{cm}

f=402=20cmf = \frac{40}{2} = 20 \, \text{cm}

For a convex mirror, the focal length is positive, so: f=+20cmf = +20 \, \text{cm}

Step 2: Apply the mirror formula

We are given:

  • u=10cmu = -10 \, \text{cm} (negative because the object is in front of the mirror),
  • f=+20cmf = +20 \, \text{cm}.

Substitute into the mirror formula:

1f=1u+1v\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}

120=110+1v\frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{-10} + \frac{1}{v}

Step 3: Solve for 1v\frac{1}{v}

1v=120110\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} - \frac{1}{10}

Find a common denominator: 1v=120220=120\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} - \frac{2}{20} = \frac{-1}{20}

Step 4: Calculate vv

Take the reciprocal: v=20cmv = -20 \, \text{cm}

Step 5: Interpret the result

The negative sign for vv indicates that the image is virtual and formed on the same side as the object. Thus:

The image is formed 20 cm behind the mirror.\text{The image is formed 20 cm behind the mirror.}


Do you want details on this solution or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you can explore:

  1. How does the nature of the mirror affect the sign conventions used in calculations?
  2. What would happen if the bottle were placed farther than the focal length from the convex mirror?
  3. How do we differentiate between real and virtual images in ray diagrams?
  4. What is the relationship between magnification and the focal length for convex mirrors?
  5. Can convex mirrors ever form real images? Why or why not?

Tip: Always double-check the sign conventions (positive or negative) when working with mirror and lens formulas to avoid errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Optics
Mirror Formula
Sign Conventions

Formulas

Mirror formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v
Focal length: f = R/2

Theorems

Mirror equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10