REMARKS/ANALYSIS OF DATA
In the first table of the experiment, we are required to determine the focal length of a
lens using an object at infinite distance. We used the window sill as our object. After
performing the experiment, we studied the gathered data and learned that the focal length is
equals to the image distance of the object at infinite distance. Infinite distance will be ignored
or will be equals to zero because you cannot count infinite value. The same goes for lens 2,
we got the same value for its focal length and image distance. We got 0% error in this part of
the experiment because our experimental values of focal length of the two lenses are equal to
their actual value.
For the second table, we are required to determine the same thing but this time with
an object at finite distance or a distance that can be counted or determined. In this part, we
recorded 2 positions of the lenses. After analysing and understanding our data, we found out
that the distances that we got from position 1 are interchangeable for position 2. This is
because both positions have equal distances which mean that even if we interchange the
distances between positions 1 and 2 we will still come up with the same experimental value
of focal length. We did the same thing for lens 2 and the distances can also be interchange
between the 2 positions. We got acceptable values of percent errors for the lenses which is
below 10%.
In the third table, we are required to determine the focal length of the two lenses using
graphical technique. We repeated what we did in part 2 of the experiment but we varied the
distance between the screen and the light then measured the object and image size. Looking
at the data that we got, I can say for position 1 that object distance increases as the gap
between the screen and light source decreases and for position 2, object distance decreases as
the gap decreases. With this information, I can say that the gap can affect the distance of the
object from the screen because as the gap between the screen and light changes, the object
distance needs to be adjusted to reflect a sharp image in the screen. We also learned that you
can use graphical method to determine the focal length of a lens.
For the last table of the experiment, we used the data that we got from table 3 and
computed for the magnification of the object. We learned that you can use the object and
image distance to compute for the magnification of a certain object on the screen. We also
computed for the percent difference of each magnification for positions 1 and 2.
For this experiment, I think the possible causes of errors are the inaccurate reading of
the object and image distances and inaccurate measurement of the image size being reflected
on the screen. It is hard to accurately measure these values because of human errors like
shaking of the hands while measuring the distance of the object from the screen. I suggest to
other groups who will be performing this experiment to accurately and carefully measure
these values.
CONCLUSION
After performing all the three parts of this experiment, I can say that we successfully
attained the objectives which are to determine the focal length of a convex lens using
different locations of the object and using the graphical method. We determined the focal
length of a convex lens using the object at infinite and finite distance. The value object and
image distance in determining the focal length using object at finite distance are inverse of
each other which means that they are interchangeable. You can switch the distances between
the 2 positions and still have the same value of focal length. In determining the focal length
of a convex lens using graphical method, we first determined the x-intercept and y-intercept
then used it to compute for the focal length of the lens.
Refraction is a phenomenon or event where light is being deflected by a certain
surface or transparent materials with a different optical density to a medium like screen.
Common example of these materials is lenses which has two types, convex (converging) and
concave (diverging). To determine the focal length of lenses be it convex or concave, we can
1 1 1
use thins lens equation which is = + ' where f is focal length, s is object distance and s ’ is
f s s
image distance. In this experiment, we also determined the magnification of the object using
hi −s' ’
either of the two equations: m= (hi is image height and ho is object height) and m= (s
ho s
is image distance and s is object distance). Graphical method/technique can also be used to
determine the focal length of different types of lenses.
Refractions are commonly applied on lenses and prisms. It is used in prisms to
determine the colors of a certain beam of light. Using refraction, scientists are able to
determine the different parts or compositions of certain bodies in space. They do this by
constructing a cable made from multiple layers of glass with different optical densities.
Refraction can also be found in optical glasses. These are used by people with poor eyesight
because refractive lights can correct the refracted lights of our eyes natural lenses to produce
a more sharp and visible images. Without refraction, people with poor eyesight will not be
able to see their surroundings with sharp and beautiful images.
