Related Formula
Magnification formula for spherical mirrors:
m = -(v)/(u)$$m = -\frac{v}{u}$$
Mirror formula:
(1)/(f) = (1)/(v) + (1)/(u)$$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}$$
where:
- u$u$ is the object distance
- v$v$ is the image distance
- f$f$ is the focal length
Core Logic
Since the image is magnified (m = 2$m = 2$) and virtual, the mirror must be concave (f < 0$f < 0$).
Let us use standard coordinate geometry signs: object is on the left (u$u$ is negative, say -u₀$-u_0$), virtual image is on the right (v$v$ is positive, say +v₀$+v_0$).
Given magnification:
m = 2 = -(v)/(u) v = -2u$$m = 2 = -\frac{v}{u} \implies v = -2u$$
In terms of magnitudes:
v₀ = 2u₀$v_0 = 2u_0$
Step 1: Use Distance Condition
The distance between the object and virtual image is 15 cm$15\text{ cm}$. Since the object is in front of the mirror and the virtual image is behind it:
Distance = u₀ + v₀ = 15 cm$$\text{Distance} = u_0 + v_0 = 15\text{ cm}$$
Substitute v₀ = 2u₀$v_0 = 2u_0$:
u₀ + 2u₀ = 15 3u₀ = 15 u₀ = 5 cm$$u_0 + 2u_0 = 15 \implies 3u_0 = 15 \implies u_0 = 5\text{ cm}$$
Thus:
Step 2: Calculate Focal Length
Using the mirror formula:
(1)/(f) = (1)/(v) + (1)/(u)$$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}$$
(1)/(f) = (1)/(10) + (1)/(-5)$$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{-5}$$
(1)/(f) = (1 - 2)/(10) = -(1)/(10) f = -10 cm$$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1 - 2}{10} = -\frac{1}{10} \implies f = -10\text{ cm}$$
Thus, the focal length is -10 cm$-10\text{ cm}$.
Pattern Recognition
Virtual and magnified image → always concave mirror. Distance D$D$ between object and virtual image is given by D = |u| + v$D = |u| + v$. Since v = m|u|$v = m|u|$, we can simplify to |u| = (D)/(m+1)$|u| = \frac{D}{m+1}$.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments