Ray Diagrams Applet Documentation

How It Works

Variables

• , focal length
• , distance from object to mirror
• , distance from object to mirror
• , magnification
• , height of the image
• , height of the object

The applet works by using the mirror equation and the magnification equation to calculate the image. It uses the mirror equation to solve for the image's position by using the object's position and the focal length of the mirror/lens.

After the applet finds the position of the image, the height of the image can be calculated with the magnification equation.

How To Use The Applet

1. Select the type of reflection you would like to simulate from the combo box in the input panel.
2. Click and drag your mouse in the gridded area to change the position of the object.
3. Note: A virtual image will be automatically generated under the correct circumstances.