Introduction

The focal length of a convex lens is a fundamental concept in

optics that describes the distance between the lens and its focal
point. A convex lens, which is thicker in the middle than at the
edges, converges (brings together) light rays passing through it.
When parallel rays of light (like those from a distant object) enter
a convex lens, they bend toward each other and meet at a single
point on the opposite side of the lens. This point is called the
"focus," and the distance from the center of the lens to this focus
is known as the focal length.

In practical applications, the focal length is important because it

determines the lens's ability to magnify or project images,
impacting everything from eyeglasses to camera lenses and
microscopes. A shorter focal length results in a stronger lens that
bends light more sharply, bringing the focus closer to the lens,
while a longer focal length results in a weaker lens.

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 Theory
The theory of focal length centers on how lenses bend light
through the principles of refraction. When light travels from one
medium to another (like from air into glass), it changes speed,
causing it to bend or refract. In a convex lens, which has a thicker
center and thinner edges, this refraction causes incoming parallel
light rays to converge to a single point on the other side of the
lens.

Key Concepts in the Theory:

1. Focal Point: This is where all rays that are parallel to the
optical axis (the line passing through the center of the lens
and perpendicular to it) converge after passing through the
lens.
2. Focal Length (f): Defined as the distance from the center of
the lens to the focal point. It’s a measure of how strongly a
lens converges or diverges light. For convex lenses, the focal
length is positive, and the lens is converging.

A lens with a short focal length has a high power because it

bends light more sharply.

3. Real and Virtual Images: Convex lenses can produce both

real and virtual images depending on the position of the
object in relation to the focal length. If an object is placed
beyond the focal length, a real, inverted image is formed on
the other side of the lens. If placed within the focal length, a
virtual, upright image appears on the same side as the
object.

Understanding focal length is crucial in optical devices like

cameras, microscopes, and telescopes, where controlling the
focus and magnification of an image is essential.

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 Aim
 To find focal length of a convex lens using different
methods

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 Materials and apparatus required

 Convex lens
 Plane mirror
 Optical bench
 Optical needles
 Iron stand
 Meter scale
 Lens holder
 Screen to receive the image
 Bulb with a mesh

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 Formulas:
Rx
1. Boys method : Focal length (f)= R−x
2 2
D −X
2. Displacement method: f= 4D
UV
3. u-v method f= U−V (cm)
d 1+ d 2
4. auxiliary plane mirror metho: Focal length= 2 (cm)

Diagram
Distant object method
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 Auxiliary plane mirror method

Boys method

U-V method

Displacement method

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 Procedure and observations
A. Distant object method
1. Without disturbing the lens and screen, arrange both of them
on the wooden bench.
2. Place the lens on the holder facing a distant object.
3. Place the holder with the screen on the bench.
4. The position of the screen should be such that the sharp image
of the distant object is obtained on it.
5. The difference between the position of the lens and the screen
is equal to the focal length of the given convex lens.

Using distant object method

Focal length of the convex lens= 19 cm

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B. Boys method
1. Place a bulb with a slit
2. Place the lens on the lens holder facing the bulb slit
3. Adjust the distance such that you get a sharp image of the
slit just next to the slit
4. Measure the distance between the slit and the lens let it be x
5. Measure the radius of the curvature(R) of the lens using a
spherometer
6. Note down the value and calculate the focal length by
substituting the values as follows
Rx
7. Focal length (f)= R−x

Using Boys method

Radius of the curvature(R) = 25cm
Distance between lens and screen(x)= 11 cm
Using the formula:

fx
Radius of curvature (R) => f −x

Rx
Focal length (f)= R−x

Substituting values,
25× 11 275
25−11
= 14
= 19.642cm

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C. Displacement method
1. Place the object (o) at one end of meter scale and the image
screen (I) at the end so that distance apart is about 90 cm.
[The distance between the object and screen is (D)]
2. Place the lens between then and near to the object.
3. Adjust the position of the lens until MAGNIFIED IMAGE is
sharply focused on the screen.
4. Record the position of the lens along scale. The distance
between the lens and object is = d1.
5. Move the lens toward the screen and adjust its position one
again a diminished image is sharply in, focus on the screen.
6. Record the new position of the lens along scale. The distance
between the lens and object is =d2.
7. Repeat the observation with the distance between the object
and screen (D) equal to 80,90,100,110,120cm
8. Substitute the above values in the formula:
2 2
D −X
f= 4D

Using displacement method

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 Position of Position of D=u+v(cm) X=d2-
2 2
D −X
f= 4 D
lens d1(cm) lens d2(cm) d1(cm)
(cm)
34.8 46.5 80 11.7 19.59
28.8 61.3 90 32.5 19.56
25.7 75.4 100 49.7 18.82
25.0 85.0 110 60 19.31
24.0 95.8 120 71.8 19.25
fmean=19.30 cm

D. Auxiliary plane mirror method

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 1. Place the convex lens above a plane mirror
2. Insert an optical needle(pin) to an iron stand and with the
pinhead vertically above the center of the lens.
3. Move the pin up and down until there is no parallax between
the pin and its inverted virtual image formed by reflection
from the plane mirror and refraction by the lens
4. Measure the distance between the pin and the center of the
lens.
5. This is the focal length of the lens (f).

Using auxiliary plane mirror method

Distance between needle and
d 1+ d 2
Lens d1 (cm) Mirror d2(cm) Focal length 2
(cm)
19.8 20 19.9
19.2 19.4 19.3
20 20.2 20.1
19 19.2 19.1
fmean=19.60 cm

E. U-V method
Procedure:

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a. Level the optical bench using a spirit level and leveling screws.

b. Find approximate focal length of the convex lens by focusing a

distant object on a screen.

c. Place the convex lens using lens holder on the optical bench.

d. Place an object needle (O) between F and 2F of the lens. Adjust

the height of the needle so that its tip lie along the horizontal
line through the pole of the mirror.

e. A Real, inverted image is formed on the other side of the lens.

An image needle (I) is placed on the other side of the lens.

f. Adjust the position of image needle such that the tips of the
image needle and tip of the image coincides

g. To ensure this move your head to and fro such that there is no
parallax.

h. Now measure distance PO = object distance (u) and PI= image

distance (v).

i. Repeat the above procedure by placing object needle at

different positions between F and 2F.

Using u-v method

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Trial. No. U(-ve) (cm) V(cm) UV
U−V
(cm)
1 -30 54.9 19.39
2 -32 47.6 19.13
3 -34 43.3 19.04
4 -36 39.5 18.8
5 -38 39.4 19.34
6 -40 34.5 18.52
fmean=19.03 cm

graph

scale: 1 unit of x axis=2.5 cm of object distance

1 unit of y axis=5 cm of object distance

Result
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A. Focal length of convex mirror using distnt object method =
19 cm
B. Focal length of convex lens using boys method=19.642 cm
C. Focal length of convex lens using displacement
method=19.30cm
D. Focal length of convex lens using auxiliary plane
mirror=19.60cm
E. Focal length of convex lens using u-v method=19.03 cm

Photo gallery

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 Applications
1. Microscopes and Telescopes: Accurate focal length
measurements are crucial in designing lenses for
microscopes and telescopes to achieve the desired
magnification and image clarity.
2. Cameras: In photography, lenses with different focal lengths
control field of view, depth of field, and magnification,
affecting image composition and sharpness.

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 3. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: The focal length
determines the corrective power of lenses needed to correct
vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia
(farsightedness).
4. Projectors: For projecting images on screens, knowing the
focal length helps position lenses correctly to produce clear,
focused images at the intended distances.
5. Magnifying Glasses: The focal length of a convex lens is
optimized to produce a larger, clear image of objects when
used as a magnifier.
6. Optical Instruments: Devices such as binoculars,
magnifying glasses, and rangefinders depend on lenses with
specific focal lengths to adjust magnification and focus.
7. Solar Concentrators: Convex lenses with a specific focal
length can concentrate sunlight on a point to generate heat,
useful in solar cooking and other energy applications.

These applications highlight how determining the focal length is

vital in optics and technology that depend on precise image
formation and light control.

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 sources of error
 Parallax Error: When measuring distances, not aligning
your line of sight perpendicularly to the ruler can lead to
inaccurate measurements of object or image distance.
 Lens Misalignment: If the lens is tilted or not properly
aligned with the object and screen, it can distort the image
and cause errors in focal length calculation.
 Inaccurate Measurement of Distances: Small inaccuracies
in measuring object distance (u) and image distance (v) can
lead to errors in calculating focal length using the lens
formula.
 Ambient Light Variations: Changes in lighting conditions
can make it harder to obtain a sharp image on the screen,
leading to difficulties in accurately determining the focal
point.
 Aberrations in the Lens: Imperfections in the lens
(spherical or chromatic aberrations) can cause blurring or
colour fringing, making it hard to locate a sharp image.
 Dirty or Scratched Lens: Dust, fingerprints, or scratches on
the lens can scatter light and reduce image clarity,
impacting measurements.
 Temperature Changes: Temperature variations can
slightly alter the refractive index of the lens material,
affecting the focal length, especially in precise scientific
measurements.
 Lens Thickness Not Accounted For: In practical
applications, the thickness of the lens is often neglected in
calculations, which can introduce a small error if the lens is
thick.

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 Scope for improvement

 Reduce Parallax Error: Parallax error can be minimized by

using a clear, precise scale and aligning the observer’s eye
correctly with the scale’s markings. Mounting the lens and
measuring screen on a stable stand can also reduce
movement that leads to misalignment.
 Light Source Stability: Using a stable and bright point light
source, such as an LED, helps create a sharper image on the
screen, improving the accuracy of the measurements.
 Data Averaging for Accuracy: Taking multiple readings at
different object distances and calculating an average can
improve the accuracy of the focal length measurement by
minimizing random errors.
 Environmental Control: Factors like temperature and
lighting can affect the lens material and the clarity of the
image. Controlling the environment to minimize fluctuations
can lead to more consistent results.
 Lens Quality Check: Ensuring that the lens is free of defects,
such as scratches or aberrations, will help in getting a more
accurate focal length by reducing distortions.

Bibliography
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 NCERT physics textbook class 12, class 10
 Physics manual
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 https://youtu.be/MYTF-pRPIPg?si=KqKv7xbKPi5W0BnL

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