\[M=\frac{h_i}{h_o}=-\frac{q}{p}\]
Variables
Mmirror magnification
hiimage height
hoobject height
qimage distance
pobject distance
Description
What is this formula?
This formula calculates the magnification produced by a spherical mirror. Magnification indicates how much larger or smaller the reflected image is relative to the original object and whether the image is upright or inverted.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing image size in concave mirrors, convex mirrors, telescopes, and reflective optical systems.
Example
Given:
ho=3 cm
p=20 cm
q=30 cm
Formula:
M=-q/p
Substitution:
M=-(30)/(20)
Result:
M=-1.5
Image height:
hi=(-1.5)(3 cm)
hi=-4.5 cm
The negative sign indicates an inverted image.
Applications
- Telescope mirrors
- Reflective optical systems
- Vehicle mirrors
- Optical instruments
- Image analysis