AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

Focal Length of a Convex Lens Crude Method

Aim: to find the focal length of a convex lens using an illuminated far away object and a screen. Apparatus: Convex Lens Illuminated Distant Object (i.e. window or bulb) Ruled Track Screen (i.e. sheet of paper) Theory: Convex lens Screen

f The focal length of a convex lens is the distance from the lens to the focus. Method: 1. Take a convex lens and place it on a track. 2. Focus a far way object on to a screen. 3. Measure the distance between the lens and the screen using the ruled track. This is the focal length of the lens, f. 4. Repeat this experiment a few times so that an average value can be calculated. 5. Calculate uncertainties and compare to results of other experiments.

AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

Focal Length of a Convex Lens Displacement Method (1)

Aim: to measure the focal length of a convex lens by moving the lens in relation to a light source and a screen. Apparatus: Convex Lens Ruled Track Screen Light Source Theory:

Lamp

Convex Lens

Screen

The distance between the lamp and the convex lens is labelled u. The distance between the convex lens and the screen is labelled v. The focal length of the lens is labelled f. An equation links these three variables: 1 f This can be rearranged to give: f = u v u + v and: u v = f (u + v) = 1 u + 1 v

Method:

AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

1. Set up the apparatus as above. 2. Place the screen at a point close to the end of the ruled track and the lamp at the other end. 3. Place the convex lens between the screen and the source. 4. Find a point where an image of the lamp focuses on to the screen. 5. Note the object distance, u, and image distance, v, using the markings on the ruled track. 6. Keep the screen and light source in the same position. 7. Move the convex lens to another position where the lamp focuses on to the screen. 8. Repeat this procedure for as many values as can be found. 9. Plot a graph of (u v) against (u + v). The gradient will be the focal length of the lens, f. 10. Calculate uncertainties and compare value for focal length with other experiments using the same lens.

AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

Focal Length of a Convex Lens Displacement Method (2)

Aim: to measure the focal length of a convex lens by moving a screen in relation to the lens and a light source. Apparatus: Convex Lens Ruled Track Screen Light Source Theory:

Lamp

Convex Lens

Screen

The distance between the lamp and the convex lens is labelled u. The distance between the convex lens and the screen is labelled v. The focal length of the lens is labelled f. An equation links these three variables: 1 f This can be rearranged to give: u + v = u2 u - f If a graph is plotted of (u + v) against u, a hyperbola is found with a minimum at ( 2f , 4f ) and asymptotes at u = f and y = u + f : = 1 u + 1 v

AH Physics Investigation u + v

Measurement of Focal Length

4f f 0 f 2f u

Method: 1. Set up the apparatus as above. 2. Place the screen at a point close to the end of the ruled track and the lamp at the other end. 3. Place the convex lens between the screen and the source. 4. Find a point where an image of the lamp focuses on to the screen. 5. Note the object distance, u, and image distance, v, using the markings on the ruled track. 6. Keep the light source and convex lens in the same position. 7. Move the screen to another position where the image of the lamp can be clearly seen on it. 8. Repeat this procedure for as many values as can be found. 9. Plot a graph of (u + v) against u. The graph can be used in four ways to find the focal length of the convex lens. 10. Find an average value for the focal length of the convex lens. 11. Calculate uncertainties and compare value for focal length with other experiments using the same lens.

Focal Length of a Convex Lens Magnification Method

Aim: to find the focal length of a convex lens by calculating the magnification of an image formed on a screen.

AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

Apparatus: Convex Lens Ruled Track Screen Light Source Graph Paper Clear Ruler Theory:

Ruler

Lamp

Convex Lens

Screen with Graph Paper

The distance between the lamp and the convex lens is labelled u. The distance between the convex lens and the screen is labelled v. The focal length of the lens is labelled f. An equation links these three variables: 1 f This can be rearranged to give: v u = v f 1 = 1 u + 1 v

The magnification, m, of an image can be given by this equation: m So, m = = v f v u 1

AH Physics Investigation

Measurement of Focal Length

Therefore, a graph of magnification, m, against image distance, v, will give a straight-line graph with gradient 1 / f. The v-intercept will be f and the y-intercept will be 1. m 1

2f

Method: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Set up the apparatus as above. Attach some graph paper to the screen. Attach a clear ruler to the front of the light source. Place the screen at a point close to the end of the ruled track and the lamp at the other end. Place the convex lens between the screen and the source. Find a point where an image of the ruler focuses on to the screen. Use the ruled track to measure the image distance, v. Calculate how large 1 cm of the ruler appears on the graph paper and calculate the magnification, m, of the image. Repeat this procedure for as many values as can be found. Plot a graph of m against v. There are three different methods of calculating the focal length of the lens, f. Find the average value of the focal length of the lens, f, from these values. Calculate uncertainties and compare value for focal length with other experiments using the same lens.