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Optics
Optics

Mirror Equation

1f=1do+1di\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}

Relates focal length to object and image distances for spherical mirrors.

Variables

f
Focal length
m
d_o
Object distance
m
d_i
Image distance
m

Derivation

Derived using similar triangles formed by rays reflecting off a curved mirror surface.

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Common questions

What is the Mirror Equation formula?

Mirror Equation is written 1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ. Relates focal length to object and image distances for spherical mirrors. It belongs to Optics, under Reflection.

What are the units in 1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ?

In SI units, f is focal length, measured in m; d_o is object distance, measured in m; d_i is image distance, measured in m.

How is the Mirror Equation formula derived?

Derived using similar triangles formed by rays reflecting off a curved mirror surface. The result is 1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ.