Derive the mirror equation

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the derivation of the mirror equation, which relates the object distance, image distance, and focal length of a spherical mirror. This involves using ray diagrams and similar triangles to establish the relationship.

Answer

The mirror equation is: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u, where f is the focal length, v is the image distance, and u is the object distance.

The mirror equation, which relates the object distance (u), image distance (v), and focal length (f) of a spherical mirror, is given by: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u

Answer for screen readers

The mirror equation, which relates the object distance (u), image distance (v), and focal length (f) of a spherical mirror, is given by: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u

More Information

The mirror equation is applicable to both concave and convex mirrors, with appropriate sign conventions for object and image distances, as well as focal length. Derivation of the mirror equation often involves using similar triangles formed by the object, image, and principal axis of the mirror.

Tips

A common mistake is not using the correct sign convention for the object distance, image distance, and focal length. Always remember that distances of real objects and images are positive, and distances of virtual objects and images are negative. Also, the focal length is positive for concave mirrors and negative for convex mirrors.

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