PASCO
 
1. Lens Version

In this experiment, students determine the focal length of a lens.


Your physics teacher provides an optics bench, a light source, a lens holder, a lens and a viewing screen. Your task is to find the focal length of the lens.

  1. List the steps to accurately and precisely determine the focal length of the lens. Include all of your data and analysis.
  2. Choose a particular distance between the lens and light source that produces a clear image.
    1. Draw and label a ray diagram that includes the positions of the light source, lens and viewing screen.
    2. Which of the following describes the image?
      • Real
      • Virtual
      • Upright
      • Inverted
      • Larger than Object
      • Smaller than Object
      • Same size as the Object
2. Mirror Version
 

In this experiment, students determine the focal length of a mirror.

Your physics teacher provides an optics bench, a light source, a mirror and a viewing screen. Your task is to find the focal length of the mirror.

  1. List the steps to accurately and precisely determine the focal length of the mirror. Include all of your data and analysis.
  2. Choose a particular distance between the mirror and light source that produces a clear image.
    1. Draw and label a ray diagram that includes the positions of the light source, mirror and viewing screen.
    2. Which of the following describes the image?
      • Real
      • Virtual
      • Upright
      • Inverted
      • Larger than Object
      • Smaller than Object
      • Same size as the Object