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Magnification Formula:
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Magnification is a measure of how much larger or smaller an image is compared to the object itself. In optics, it describes the ratio of the image size to the object size, or the ratio of image distance to object distance for lenses and mirrors.
The calculator uses the magnification formula:
Where:
Explanation: The negative sign indicates that the image is inverted relative to the object. A magnification greater than 1 means the image is larger than the object, while less than 1 means it's smaller.
Details: Calculating magnification is essential in optical system design, understanding image formation in lenses and mirrors, and applications in microscopy, photography, and vision correction.
Tips: Enter both image distance (v) and object distance (u) in meters. Object distance cannot be zero. Positive values indicate real objects/images, negative values indicate virtual objects/images.
Q1: What does negative magnification mean?
A: Negative magnification indicates that the image is inverted relative to the object. Positive magnification means the image is upright.
Q2: How does magnification relate to image size?
A: Magnification of 2 means the image is twice as large as the object, 0.5 means half the size, and -2 means twice as large but inverted.
Q3: What are typical magnification values?
A: Values can range from very small (0.001x) to very large (1000x+) depending on the optical system. Microscopes have high magnification, while some lenses have reduction magnification.
Q4: How does this relate to lens power?
A: Magnification is related to focal length and object distance. For a given lens, magnification changes with object distance.
Q5: Can magnification be less than zero?
A: Yes, negative magnification indicates an inverted image. The magnitude (absolute value) tells you how much larger or smaller the image is.