The Mirror Equation and Magnification Ratio

The Mirror Equation Video Tutorial explains how to use the mirror equation and the magnification ratio to solve Physics word problems. Four examples are discussed.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

How can the mirror equation be used to solve Physics word problems?
What is meant by magnification (M) and how can the M ratio be used in solving Physics word problems?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Calculator Pad, Reflection and Mirrors Problem Set, Problems #9 - #26
When it comes to improving your problem-solving skills, our Calculator Pad section is the place to go. It includes carefully crafted problems of varying difficulty, answers, and audio-guided solutions.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Missions RM7 and RM10
Our Minds On Physics program provides an intense workout in careful reading, logical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. It's like eating broccoli - nobody likes it but you know it's good for you. Mission RM7 pertains to the use of the Mirror Equation for Concave Mirrors. Mission RM10 pertains to the use of the Mirror Equation for convex mirrors. They're great nutrition for your Physics brain. Use the Help link for question-specific help.

Tutorial: Reflection and the Ray Model of Light
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, the Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. The pages listed below make a good complement of this video.
Concave Mirrors: The Mirror Equation
Convex Mirrors: The Mirror Equation

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Reflection and Mirrors
Our Curriculum Corner includes in excess of 200 Think Sheets on discrete topics. Each Think Sheet takes a developmental approach to a topic. The following Think Sheet provides support for this video.
Mathematics of Curved Mirrors

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Missions RM7 and RM10
Our Minds On Physics program provides an intense workout in careful reading, logical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. It's like eating broccoli - nobody likes it but you know it's good for you. Mission RM7 pertains to the use of the Mirror Equation for Concave Mirrors. Mission RM10 pertains to the use of the Mirror Equation for convex mirrors. Consider either as a follow-up exercise to this video.

Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 3
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, The Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. Many teachers include these as links for students on their course management sites. The pages below make a good complement of this video.
Concave Mirrors: The Mirror Equation
Convex Mirrors: The Mirror Equation

Teacher Toolkits: Image Formation by Curved Mirrors
We love our Teacher Toolkits. We hope you do as well. They include a collection of links to vetted resources throughout the web that are standards-based and multi-media driven.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.