Related Formula
Mirror Formula:
(1)/(v) + (1)/(u) = (1)/(f)$$\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$$
Core Logic
For the convex mirror, u = -30 cm$u = -30\text{ cm}$ and f = +30 cm$f = +30\text{ cm}$.
(1)/(v) - (1)/(30) = (1)/(30) (1)/(v) = (2)/(30) v = +15 cm$$\frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{30} = \frac{1}{30} \implies \frac{1}{v} = \frac{2}{30} \implies v = +15\text{ cm}$$
So, the convex mirror forms a virtual image 15 cm behind its surface.
Step 1: Align Plane Mirror Image
The total distance from the object to the image location is 30 + 15 = 45 cm$30 + 15 = 45\text{ cm}$.
For a plane mirror to create an image at this same exact location, it must be placed precisely midway between the object and the image.
Distance from object to plane mirror:
d = (45)/(2) = 22.5 cm$$d = \frac{45}{2} = 22.5\text{ cm}$$
Therefore, the clearance distance between the convex mirror and the plane mirror surface is:
Distance = 30 - 22.5 = 7.5 cm$$\text{Distance} = 30 - 22.5 = 7.5\text{ cm}$$
Pattern Recognition
Coinciding images imply identical coordinate endpoints. Calculate the convex position explicitly, find the total path length from the real source object, and slice it in half for the plane mirror location.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments