Physic Labs

Problem 3

A thin converging lens in air has focal length f>0. An upright real object of height H lies on the principal axis at distance u>f from the optical center; use the convention that a real image on the opposite side has v>0. Neglect lens thickness and aberrations. (a) Establish the relation among u, v, and f. (b) Find v and identify the image as real or virtual. (c) Find signed magnification m and signed image height. Use SI units throughout and treat components as ideal exactly as specified. State sign conventions when writing equations and retain units in final results.
m=hi/H=−v/um=h_i/H=-v/u
problems.proof.analysis

The next part uses the preceding result as input rather than treating parts independently. This keeps conventions and physical state consistent throughout.

problems.proof.pitfall. Pitfall: do not change sign conventions between equations; a negative sign may encode direction rather than an invalid result.