20150329

Physics midterm problem: object distance with greatest magnification

Physics 205B Midterm 1, spring semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Problem 23.63

An object can be placed either 16 cm or 14 cm in front of a f = +15 cm converging lens. Decide which object distance will result in the largest image (regardless of being real/virtual, or inverted/upright), or if there will be a tie. Show your work and explain your reasoning using the properties of lenses, thin lens equations and/or ray tracings.

Solution and grading rubric:
  • p:
    Correct. Compares the linear magnification ratios of both object distances using one of two methods:
    1. determines the image distances produced by these objects, then sets up the ratio m = –di/do to find their respective linear magnification factors;
    2. a carefully, properly scaled ray tracing diagram.
  • r:
    Nearly correct, but includes minor math errors. May have sign errors or inverse errors.
  • t:
    Nearly correct, but approach has conceptual errors, and/or major/compounded math errors. At least enough steps are shown that would theoretically result in a complete answer, multiple errors (or omission of last step of finding m = –di/do ratio) notwithstanding. May draw a ray tracing diagram that does not have its object distances properly scaled with regards to the focal points, but at least makes a consistent conclusion based on the faulty scaling of object positions.
  • v:
    Implementation of right ideas, but in an inconsistent, incomplete, or unorganized manner. Ray tracings have real images for both cases, etc.
  • x:
    Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
  • y:
    Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
  • z:
    Blank.
Grading distribution:
Sections 30882, 30883
Exam code: midterm01p34K
p: 21 students
r: 6 students
t: 13 students
v: 6 students
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 0 student

A sample "p" response (from student 8984):

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