Focal Length of Convex And Concave Lens Lab

Report
Introduction
The focal length of an optical system represents the distance where incoming parallel light
rays converge for converging elements (convex lenses, concave mirrors) or appear to diverge
from for diverging elements (concave lenses, convex mirrors). Positive focal lengths signify
convergence, while negative ones indicate divergence.
This experiment investigates diverse methods to determine the focal length of various optical
systems. Potential techniques include measuring image distances for different object positions,
utilizing the lens/mirror equation, or leveraging optical benches with adjustable components for
accurate measurements. Through these experiments, we seek to accurately calculate the focal
length of each optical element.
 Objectives of the experiment:
This lab report aims to explore the properties of converging lenses, including determining
their focal length through both real image and finite object-image methods.
Theory
In this experiment, we have chosen two methods to find out the focal length of a
sphe rical lens. They are “lens formula method” and “lens replacement method”. Firstly, we
talk about the theory of the first method. It is known that there is a formula called Lens
1 1 1
formula ( = ± ) which stated the relationship between object distance u, image distance
v and the focal length of a spherical lens.Therefore we record a few pairs of data of object
and image distance in order to make use the formula to determine the focal length of the
lens given.Secondly, we talk about the “lens replacement method”. If we separate a lamp
housing and a screen to s cm, there must be two positions between s which can form the
image on the screen by the lens according to the reversibility of the light.
 2−2
Therefore we can find out the focal length by the formula given ( f= )
4
where d is the distance between the two lens positions.
Definition of the symbols used
Symbols Definition
u Object distance

v Image distance
f/F Focal length of the lens

s Separation of the lamp housing and the screen

d1 1st lens position

d2 2nd lens position

d Distance between 1st lens position & 2nd lens position

Equipment Needed Quantities
Concave Lens 1
Convex Lens 1
Holders for Lenses 1
Lamp with Object on Face 1
Screen to Form Image 1
Optical Bench 1
Meter Stick 1

Procedure
1. We placed the screen a distance D from the illuminated object, as shown in the figure below
2. We placed the lens between the object and the screen at the point where a clear image
appeared on the screen.
3. With the object and screen fixed, we found a second position where the lens gave a
well-focused image on the screen.
4. We then repeated the above steps for five different values of D.
5. Finally, we calculated the corresponding sets of D and d.
Note: We exclusively use convex lenses in our experiment. Concave lenses diverge light rays,
preventing them from intersecting to form a real image.
 Data Collection

1 - Measurement of Focal Lengths Based on Varying Object-Image Distance for convex lens

−
Trial . No. D d − 4D f=

1 65 55 1200 260 4.62

2 70 60 1300 280 4.64

3 75 65 1400 300 4.66

4 80 70 1500 320 4.68

5 85 75 1600 340 4.70

6 90 80 1700 360 4.72

Table 2 - Measurement of Focal Lengths Based on Varying Object-Image Distance for concave
lens

Data Analysis
1. Average Focal Length
 Answers to Post-Lab Questions
1. Two real images can be found for a given object screen distance. What are the similarities
and differences of the images? What general principle explains the existence of two images?
Similarities:
- Both are real images meaning they are formed by converging light rays and can be projected
onto a screen.
- Both are inverted compared to the object.
Differences:
- Size: One image is typically larger than the other. The image closer to the focal point is
smaller, while the one further away is larger.
- Brightness: The brighter image is usually the one closer to the lens, as it intercepts more light
rays.
- Sharpness: The closer image is usually sharper, while the further image can be blurrier due to
increased spherical aberration.
General Principle: These two images exist because there are two object distances (one
beyond the focal point and one between the focal point and the lens) that can produce a real
image on the same screen for a given focal length and screen distance. The different object distances lead
to images with different sizes and brightnesses.
2. The lens in the human eye is convex. It forms a real image on the retina therefore the image on the
retina is inverted. Despite this fact we see upright images. Is there any contradiction? There is no
contradiction between the inverted image on the retina and our upright perception off the world. This
happens due to brain processing and our understanding of the world around us:
1. Light rays: The lens projects in inverted image on the retina, where light-sensitive cells convert it into
electrical signals.2. Visual pathway: These signals travel through the optic nerve to the visual cortex in the
brain.
3. Brain processing: The visual cortex, through years of experience and learning, flips and interprets the
signals to create an upright perception of the world. We have learned that light travels in straight lines
and objects have consistent orientations despite the retinal image being inverted.
4. Mental reconstruction: The brain also uses depth perception, size cues, and other information to
construct a coherent and upright mental image of the scene.Therefore, while the physical image on the
retina is inverted, our brain's incredible processing power allows us to see the world around us correctly
oriented.