Mirror

Equation
 Ray diagrams determine the approximate location and size of
the image, but it will not provide you with the numerical
information about image distance and object size. To determine the
exact location and size of the image formed in a curved mirror, an
equation is needed. The following derivation shows the mirror
equation using the Figure 15 below.
where: f = focal length or distance from the mirror and the focal point,
F
p = distance of the object from the mirror
q = distance of the image from the mirror
 The mirror equation, applies to both concave and convex mirrors. However,
for all location of objects in front of the convex mirror, the image always
appears as if it is located behind the mirror. It is therefore considered that
the value of image distance, q is negative. In the same manner, the focus, F in a
convex mirror is located on the other side of the mirror (behind the mirror), thus,
the focal length, f is also negative.
 Examples:

1) A 5.00-cm tall light bulb is placed at a distance of 45.0 cm from

a concave
mirror having a focal length of 10.5 cm. Determine the image
distance and the
image size.

2) A 7.0-cm tall light bulb is placed a distance of 37.5 cm from a

convex mirror having a focal length of -12.5 cm. Determine the
image distance and the
image size.