ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
PHYSICS LABORATORY REPORT
FOCAL LENGTH OF LENSES
Group Members ID No
1. Abenezer Seifu UGR/8667/17
2. Abiy Ketema UGR/4680/17
3. Amira Issa UGR/9481/17
4. Demetrius Zerihun UGR/2642/17
5. Hewan Tilaye UGR/2168/17
6. Kidus Mekonnen UGR/6322/17
Instructor
---------------------------------------------
January 12, 2025
EXPERIMENT 9
FOCAL LENGTH OF LENSES
Introduction
The following experiment was conducted to determine the unknown focal length of the lens
(converging and diverging). Focal length is defined as the distance between the optical center of a
lens and the point where it converges parallel light rays. This can be calculated using:
𝐷2 − 𝑑2
𝑓=
4𝐷
Objective
The objective of this experiment is to investigate the focal length of a convex lens using a
combination of experimental measurements and mathematical analysis. Through precise
observations of the image formed by the lens, we aim to determine the focal length with high
accuracy. Additionally, we seek to explore the relationship between object distance, image
distance, and focal length, as described by the lens formula. By varying the position of the object
and measuring corresponding image distances, we intend to construct a graph to visually represent
this relationship. Ultimately, this experiment aims to deepen understanding of the properties and
behavior of convex lenses in optical systems.
Theory
Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior and properties of light, including its
interactions with matter and its propagation through various mediums. It encompasses a wide
range of phenomena, from the formation of images by lenses and mirrors to the behavior of light
in different materials and environments.
Optics plays a crucial role in understanding how light behaves as it passes through a convex lens
to form images. Let's explore some key concepts of optics and how they relate to the described
scenario:
1. Optical Elements: In optics, a lens is a transparent device with curved surfaces that
refracts (or bends) light rays. Lenses are commonly used in many optical instruments,
including cameras, telescopes, and microscopes, to form images of objects.
2. Convex Lens: A convex lens is thicker at the center than at the edges. When parallel rays
of light pass through a convex lens, they converge at a point on the opposite side of the
lens. This point is known as the focal point.
3. Concave lens: is thinner at the center than at the edges, causing parallel rays of light
passing through it to diverge. Its focal point is virtual, located on the same side as the
incoming light, and its focal length is negative. Concave lenses are commonly used in
corrective eyewear to treat conditions such as near-sightedness (myopia) by diverging light
rays before they reach the eye's lens, thus aiding in focusing images onto the retina.
4. Refraction: When light passes from one medium to another (such as from air to glass), its
speed changes, causing it to bend. This phenomenon is known as refraction. In the case of
a convex lens, the curved surfaces cause light rays to refract towards the centre of the lens.
This refraction is what allows the lens to converge parallel rays of light to a focal point,
thereby forming an image.
5. Focal Point and Focal Length: A convex lens has a unique property called a focal point.
This is the point where parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge from after
passing through the lens. The distance from the lens to this focal point is known as the focal
length. The focal length determines how much the light is bent by the lens and thus affects
the properties of the image formed.
6. Image Formation: When an object is placed in front of a convex lens, light rays from the
object converge to form an image on the opposite side of the lens. The characteristics of
the image (such as its size, orientation, and distance from the lens) depend on the object
distance, focal length, and the nature of the lens. In the described scenario, the lens forms
sharp images of a candle at two different positions, illustrating how the lens refracts light
to create distinct images.
7. Optical Aberrations: While lenses are designed to create clear and accurate images, they
can suffer from optical aberrations, which are imperfections that cause deviations from
ideal image formation. These aberrations can include spherical aberration, chromatic
aberration, and coma, among others. Understanding and minimizing these aberrations are
essential in designing high-quality optical systems.
8. Lens Equation: relates the object distance (S), the image distance (So), and the focal
length (f) of a lens. It quantifies how light rays are refracted by the lens to form images.
This equation is fundamental in understanding and predicting the behavior of lenses in
optical systems.
1 1 1
The equation is given as: + =
𝑆 𝑆𝑜 𝑓
Where:
• S is the object distance,
• So is the image distance,
• f is the focal length.
In summary, optics provides the fundamental principles and tools necessary to understand how
light interacts with lenses and other optical elements to form images. The concepts of refraction,
focal points, lens equations, and image formation are central to this understanding, as demonstrated
in the described scenario of a convex lens forming images of a candle at different positions.
Apparatus
➢ Optical bench
➢ Holders for the lenses
➢ A screen to form images
➢ Meter stick
➢ Concave lens
➢ Convex lenses different focal lengths
➢ Lamp with object on face (illuminated object)
Procedure
The screen was placed at a distance D from the illuminated object, as depicted in figure 1.1. The
lens was then positioned between the object and the screen, where a clear image appeared on the
screen, and note was taken of the lens stand's position. Maintaining the object and the screen in a
fixed position, a second position was identified where the lens produced a well-focused image on
the screen. This procedure was repeated for five different values of D, and the corresponding sets
of D and d were tabulated. The above steps were then replicated for the second convex lens.
Finally, the entire process was repeated for the concave lens.
Figure 1.1
Observation
In this part we are going to provide data obtained from a series of systematic observations. Initially,
the screen was positioned at a distance D from an illuminated object, following a prescribed setup
outlined in figure 1.1. Subsequently, a lens was introduced between the object and the screen to
produce a distinct image, with careful notation of the lens stand's position. Maintaining the object
and screen stationary, we adjusted the lens to identify a secondary position where the image
remained sharply focused. This procedure was repeated for five distinct values of D, and the
resulting data sets of D and d were meticulously recorded for further analysis.
The observation in tabular form is presented as:
S. No. 𝐷 𝑑 𝐷2 − 𝑑2 4𝐷 𝐷2 − 𝑑 2
𝑓=
4𝐷
1 35 5.5 1194.75 140 8.5339
2 40 17.5 1293.75 160 8.0859
3 45 15.4 1787.84 180 9.9324
4 50 20.1 2095.99 200 10.479
5 55 26.6 2317.44 220 10.533
Analysis
The analysis of the observational data and procedure centers on deriving key parameters such as
D2 - d2, 4D, and the frequency ( f ) of specific phenomena. Through comprehensive analysis, we
aim to fetch the underlying principles governing image formation by lenses, contributing to the
field of optics. So, from the data given above these three parameters can be calculated as follow.
➢ Calculating D2 - d2 provides insight into the geometric relationships involved in image
formation, quantifying differences in distances between the object, lens, and screen across
experimental conditions.
So, the calculation proceeds as follow for every 5 trials we have made. These calculations provide
us with a tool by which we can relate the distances in image formation.
• For the 1st trial: D = 35cm and d = 5.5m ⟹ D2 - d2 = 1,194.75cm2
• For the 2nd trial: D = 40cm and d = 17.5m ⟹ D2 - d2 = 1,293.75cm2
• For the 3rd trial: D = 45cm and d = 15.4m ⟹ D2 - d2 = 1,784.84cm2
• For the 4th trial: D = 50cm and d = 20.1m ⟹ D2 - d2 = 2095.99cm2
• For the 5th trial: D = 55cm and d = 26.6m ⟹ D2 - d2 = 2317.44cm2
➢ 4D serves as a pivotal factor in determining the lens's focal length, offering a quantitative
measure of the distance between the object and the lens.
For this part also, the calculation proceeds as follow for every 5 trials we have made. These
calculations provide us with a tool by which we determine the focal length of the lens.
• For the 1st trial: D = 35cm ⟹ 4D = 140cm
• For the 2nd trial: D = 40cm ⟹ 4D = 160cm
• For the 3rd trial: D = 45cm ⟹ 4D = 180cm
• For the 4th trial: D = 50cm ⟹ 4D = 200cm
• For the 5th trial: D = 55cm ⟹ 4D = 220cm
➢ Additionally, analyzing the frequency of well-focused image formations aids in identifying
patterns and trends, refining experimental techniques and enhancing result reliability.
Finally, this parts calculation proceeds as follow for every 5 trials we have made. These
calculations provide us with a tool by which we determine the frequency of the light.
𝐷2 − 𝑑2
𝑓=
4𝐷
𝐷 2 −𝑑2 1,194.75
• For the 1st trial: D2 - d2 = 1,194.75cm2 and 4D = 140 𝑓 = = = 8.5339
4𝐷 140
𝐷 2 −𝑑2 1,293.75
• For the 2nd trial: D2 - d2 = 1,293.75cm2 and 4D = 160 𝑓 = = = 8.0859
4𝐷 160
𝐷 2 −𝑑2 1,787.84
• For the 3rd trial: D2 - d2 = 1,787.84cm2 and 4D = 180 𝑓 = = = 9.9324
4𝐷 180
𝐷 2 −𝑑2 2095.99
• For the 4th trial: D2 - d2 = 2095.99cm2 and 4D = 200 𝑓 = = = 10.779
4𝐷 200
𝐷 2 −𝑑2 2317.44
• For the 5th trial: D2 - d2 = 2317.44cm2 and 4D = 220 𝑓 = = = 10.533
4𝐷 220
So, from the above calculation we were able to know the relation between the distances in image
formation, determine the focal length of the lens, and determine the frequency of the light.
Discussion
After all arrangement and measurements of the experiment the following discussion points are
raised between group members:
The first point is that by studying the formation of a real image created by the converging lens
from a distant object, the focal length was determined. The characteristic behavior of the real
image, such as its orientation, size, and position relative to the lens, provided valuable insights into
the optical properties of the lens.
The method employed to determine the focal length involved analyzing the relationships between
finite object and image distances. By measuring and calculating these distances, the focal length
of the converging lens was derived, showcasing how the positioning of objects and images affects
the lens's ability to focus light.
Another point is that the experimental setup and measurement techniques employed in determining
the focal length were crucial in obtaining accurate and precise results. Factors such as parallax
error, calibration of measuring instruments, and careful observation of image characteristics were
essential in ensuring the reliability of the focal length measurements.
Through this experiment, the fundamental optical properties of converging lenses, such as their
ability to converge light rays and form real images, were demonstrated and studied. Understanding
the focal length is crucial in predicting the behavior of converging lenses in various optical systems
and applications.
By discussing these aspects in the focal length determination of a converging lens, we gain a
comprehensive understanding of the experimental methodology, results obtained, and the
significance of focal length in optical systems and lens design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the investigation into the properties of converging lenses and the determination of
their focal length through two distinct methods has provided valuable insights into the behavior of
converging optical systems. By studying the formation of real images from distant objects and
analyzing the characteristics of these images, we were able to accurately determine the focal length
of the converging lens.
Additionally, through measurements of finite object and image distances, the focal length was
calculated based on the object and image positioning relative to the lens. These experimental
procedures not only allowed for the practical assessment of the focal length but also facilitated a
deeper understanding of how converging lenses focus light and form images. The results obtained
from this investigation contribute to a comprehensive knowledge of the optical properties of
converging lenses and their role in image formation, demonstrating the fundamental principles of
lens optics in practical settings.
Answers to Post lab questions
1. Both are real, inverted, and satisfy the lens equation. The difference is that One image is
smaller and closer to the lens; the other is larger and farther away. The lens equation allows
two valid solutions due to its quadratic nature.
2. The brain processes the inverted image formed on the retina and flips it upright. No
contradiction exists as this is a learned neural adaptation.
3. 8.5339, 8.0859 and 9.9324
References
➢ Physics lab manual
➢ Study.com
