In the New Cartesian Sign Convention, which distance is considered pos...
According to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, distances measured above the principal axis are taken as positive, while those below it are taken as negative. Distances measured to the right of the mirror are positive, and those to the left are negative.
In the New Cartesian Sign Convention, which distance is considered pos...
Understanding the New Cartesian Sign Convention
The New Cartesian Sign Convention is essential for accurately analyzing optical systems such as mirrors and lenses. It establishes a systematic way to assign signs to distances, helping in the interpretation of various optical phenomena.
Positive Distances in the Convention
According to the New Cartesian Sign Convention, the positive distances are defined as follows:
- Distance measured above the principal axis: This is the key point. Distances above the principal axis (which is the horizontal line through the center of the lens or mirror) are considered positive. This means that if an object or image is located above this axis, it is assigned a positive value.
Other Measurements
To further clarify, here’s how other distances are treated in this convention:
- Distance measured to the left of the mirror: This distance is considered negative. In optics, the left side of the mirror or lens is often where the object is placed, leading to a negative sign.
- Distance measured below the principal axis: Distances below the principal axis are also negative. This applies to images or objects located below the reference line.
- Distance measured to the left of the lens: Similar to mirrors, distances to the left of the lens are also negative, following the same rationale.
Conclusion
In summary, the New Cartesian Sign Convention helps in distinctly identifying the position of objects and images in optical systems. In this framework, only distances measured above the principal axis are considered positive, making option 'B' the correct answer. Understanding this convention is crucial for solving problems related to lenses and mirrors effectively.