What does a negative magnification for a mirror? - ProProfs Discuss
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What does a negative magnification for a mirror?

Asked by Drtaylor, Last updated: Apr 14, 2024

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J. Shatner

J. Shatner

J. Shatner
J. Shatner, Content writer, Boston

Answered Sep 27, 2018

When you look in a mirror you are in front of it, and the focal distance is then positive. The image must be the same size as the part of you (or an object) shown in it. A concave mirror will have a positive focal length. The formula for magnification is = height of image / height of object = -1

However, if an image is behind the mirror, the situation is different. In any case, a convex mirror will have a negative focal length. Virtual images will be located behind the mirror surface. Negative magnification means that the image formed by a spherical mirror is real and inverted.

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drtaylor

drtaylor

drtaylor
Drtaylor

Answered Mar 01, 2018

The image is inverted, and the mirror is concave.
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