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Spherical Mirror Equation: Thin Lens Equation Cartesian Sign Convention
Spherical Mirror Equation: Thin Lens Equation Cartesian Sign Convention
Spherical Mirror Equation: Thin Lens Equation Cartesian Sign Convention
Spherical Mirror Equation
The equation for image formation by rays near the optic axis (paraxial rays) of a mirror has
the same form as the thin lens equation if the cartesian sign convention is used:
From the geometry of the spherical mirror, note that the focal length is half the radius of
curvature:
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Index
As in the case of lenses, the cartesian sign convention is used here, and that is the origin of
the negative sign above. The radius r for a concave mirror is a negative quantity (going left Mirror
from the surface), and this gives a positive focal length, implying convergence. concepts
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HyperPhysics***** Light and Vision R Nave
Mirror Geometry
Index
Mirror
concepts
The geometry that leads to the mirror equation is dependent upon the small angle
approximation, so if the angles are large, aberrations appear from the failure of these
approximations.
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