A1,1 EXPERIMENT A1 THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A LENS

Flashcards covering the key concepts, definitions, and procedures related to determining the focal length of a lens using graphical methods.

Focal Length (f)

The distance from the lens to the point at which a parallel incident beam of light is focused. It is a constant for a given lens; positive for a converging lens.

Object Distance (u)

The distance from the lens to the object. Real objects are those such that the light from them is diverging when it strikes the lens.

Image Distance (v)

The distance from the lens to the image. Real images are formed by light which is converging when it leaves the lens and can be cast onto a screen.

Sign Convention (Thin Lens)

Distances to real objects and images are positive, while distances to virtual objects and images are negative.

Experiment Setup (Thin Lens)

A grid illuminated by a lamp placed in front of the lens, with the image formed on a screen behind the lens.

Analysis Graph (u vs v)

At the intersection of the line u = v with the experimental curve, u = v = 2f.

Analysis Graph (1/u + 1/v)

Should give a straight line of slope -1 and intercept 1/f on each axis.

Analysis Graph (uv vs u+v)

Should be a straight line of slope f passing through the origin.