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Convex Labs

The experiment aimed to determine the focal length of a convex lens by measuring object and image distances at various positions. Results showed that no distinct image formed when the object was closer than the focal length, while real, inverted images were observed beyond the focal length. The calculated focal length was approximately 5.45 cm, close to the accepted value of 5 cm, with a 9% percentage difference.

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Amara Sterlimg
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19 views4 pages

Convex Labs

The experiment aimed to determine the focal length of a convex lens by measuring object and image distances at various positions. Results showed that no distinct image formed when the object was closer than the focal length, while real, inverted images were observed beyond the focal length. The calculated focal length was approximately 5.45 cm, close to the accepted value of 5 cm, with a 9% percentage difference.

Uploaded by

Amara Sterlimg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Title: Focal length of a convex Lens

Aim: To determine the focal length of a converging lens.


Apparatus: light source, converging lens, object screen, metre rule, retort stand, lens holder,
image screen
Diagram:

DIAGRAM OF EXPERIMENTAL SET UP

Method: Set up the object in front of the lens as shown in the above diagram. The object
distance, u, from the centre of the lens should be 3 cm. Adjust the image screen until the object
(if any) is focused on it. Measure the distance from the object to the lens, u, and measure the
distance of the lens to the image screen, v. Record the measured values. Repeat the experiment
for various values of object distance, u. Plot a graph of uv versus (u+v).
Observations: Table Showing Object distance, image distance and Image size of the pin

object distance, u (cm) image distance, v (cm) Image size

3 No distinct image formed


5 No distinct image formed
7 19.4 Magnified
9 12.5 Magnified
11 9.6 Diminished
13 8.9 Diminished
15 7.8 Diminished
17 7.5 Diminished
19 6.7 Diminished

Calculations:

Sample questions:

1. uv=¿ 7 ×19.5=136.5 cm2


u + v = 7 + 19.5 = 26.5 cm

2. uv = 11× 9.6=105.6 cm2


u + v = 11 + 9.6 = 20.6 cm

3. uv = 15 ×7.8=117 cm2
u + v = 15 + 7.8 = 22.8 cm

4. uv = 19 ×6.7=127.3 cm2
u + v = 19+ 6.7 = 25.7 cm

Focal length calculation:


1 1 1
Lens equation = = +
f u v

( )
1
1
= uv 1 = uv uv = f * (u +v)
u+ f
v
y 2− y 1 117−105
Gradient = =¿ =¿ 5.45
x 2−x 1 22.8−20.6

Percentage difference:
(5-5.45/ 5) * 100 = 9%

Discussion:

A convex lens is a converging lens that refracts light rays, the structure of convex lenses allows
them to converge the light rays inward focusing them to a point. In this experiment, a light was
turned on and placed behind a pin, this pin was put at a measured distance in front of a
converging lens, behind the converging lens was a piece of cardboard placed a distance away
from the lens, which the image formed was refracted upon, the aim of this experiment was to
find the focal length of the lens.

The object was placed at distances, 3cm, 5cm, 7cm, 9cm, 11cm, 13cm, 15cm, 17cm and 19 cm
away from the converging lens. The image distance was determined by moving the cardboard
toward the convex lens or away from it until a sharp image was seen.

When the object was placed at distances smaller than the focal length like u = 3 cm and u = 5
cm, no distinct image was observed. This is because when the object is closer than the focal
length, the refracted rays diverge and do not form a real image on the screen. Instead, a virtual,
upright, and magnified image is produced, which can only be seen by looking through the lens.
This is the principle behind magnifying glasses.

However, as the object was moved beyond the focal length but within twice the focal length,
like, u = 7 cm and u = 9 cm, a real, inverted, and magnified image was observed on the screen,
with image distances of 19.4 cm and 12.5cm respectively. This is characteristic of convex lenses
is used in projectors and microscopes, where an enlarged image is needed.

For object distances greater than twice the focal length, for example, u = 11 cm and greater, the
image became diminished and inverted. This corresponds with how cameras and the human eye
function, where the lens produces a reduced image on a photographic sensor or retina.

At distances approaching infinity, the image would be formed at the focal point and be
significantly reduced in size. This is used in telescopes, where distant objects are viewed at the
focal plane of the lens system.

The results align well with theoretical predictions, confirming the reliability of the thin lens
formula and the experimental process. However, minor discrepancies may arise due to
experimental errors.

Sources of error:

 Parallax error: Misalignment in reading measurements from the metre rule.


 Human error: Difficulty in identifying the sharpest focus of the image.

Limitations:
 The experiment is limited to the accuracy of the metre rule and human judgment in
focusing the image.

Assumptions:

 The lens is considered to be an ideal thin lens with negligible aberrations.

Precautions:

 The lens was handled carefully to prevent smudging, which could affect the sharpness of
the image.
 The experiment was conducted in a darkened room to enhance image visibility.

Conclusion: The focal length of the convex lens was determined from the graph as
approximately 5.45 cm. This value is close to the accepted value of 5 cm, with a percentage
difference of about 9%. The results confirm the expected behaviour of a convex lens in forming
real and virtual images at different object distances.

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