27. ssm When viewed in a spherical mirror, the image of a setting sun is a virtual image. The image lies 12.0 cm behind the mirror. (a) Is the mirror concave or convex? Why? (b) What is the radius of curvature of the mirror?

 

The mirror must be convex.  A setting sun has essentially an object distance of infinity, so it is greater than the focal length of the mirror.  Objects outside of the focal length of concave mirrors make real images, this is virtual so it must be a convex mirror which only makes virtual images.

 

Solving for R

Minus sign appropriate for a convex mirror!

 

Convex !!

 

 

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This page last updated on June 29, 2018