169

EXPERIMENT NO. B-3

Ain
focal
e focal
d hthe length ofa conver mirror, using a convex lens.
Tofind
Apparatus

lbench with four uprights,

An optio
a convex mirror, a convex lens,
a half-metre scale.
a
knitting needle and

Theory
e Convex lensL is interposed between aconvex
mirror M and an object needle O
shown 9.12. When the
in Fig. 9. relative
positions of M, L and O are adjusted in such a way
as
ot there is no parallax between the object needle O and its image I, then in that position,
the
Tavs will fall normally on the convex mirror M. The rays which fall on the mirror
mally should meet at the centre of curvature C of the mirror when extended (Fig. 9.12).
The
ho
distance MC gives the radius of curvature rof the mirror. Half of the radius of curvature
gives its focal length f.

(a) M

M
(6)

Fig. 9.12. Focal length of the convex mirror using a convex lens.

Now without L
disturbing the positions of the object O and the
I'
lens the convexO,miror is
formed
removed, another needle is placed
and in the position of the image of the object
Dy the lens L by using parallax method.

Measure MI, Now, f =

 170

Procedure needle O on an optical

L and the object
1. Mount the convex mirrorM, a convex lens
Look for the inverted image
of O through thehe systen
system of the bench
as shown in Fig. 9.12 (a). of O or L with respect to tha
the position of
lens L and the mirror M by adjusting conver lens of larger focal lengthte
mirror. If the inverted image
is not obtained, a
should
be used.
needle O and its inverted image and ote the
not

2. Remove the parallax between the object

the bench scale.
positions of 0, L and M on
the lens L and O at all. Take another needle
3. Remove the mirror M and do not disturb
lens [Fig. 9.12 (6)].
it on the other side of the
I' and place
needle that there is no parallax between the needle T
Adjust the position of the
so
Note this position of the ne
needle O formed by the lens. eedle
the inverted image of object
I on the optical bench.

4. Take five sets of observations for different positions of O and L.

5. Determine the index correction between

the mirror M and the image needle I.

Observations and Calculations

Index correction

Length of the knitting needle, ........... CIl

Observed distance with the needle between M and I, cm

Index correction between M and I .. Cm.

Table 9.3. Determination of Focal Length

Position of the Position of the Position ofthe Position of the Observed

No. of image needle I' distance, MI
Obs. object needle O lens L mirror M
(cm) cm) (Cm) (cm) (cm)
1.
20.SS
2.

3.

4.

5.

Mean, MII ....... cm

Corrected distance, MI Cm

Corrected MI 2 -c
f= 2
n

Result
Focal length of the given convex mirror 2 . cm
Precatons
171

stae ioining the ;

The line joining pole of themirror, the centre of the
length of the optical bench. lens L, and the tip of the needle,
.
should be parallel
to the

a alxiliary lens L must have

sufficiently large focal length.
rallax should be removed tip to
tip while removing the parallax, the
Leot at the least distance of distinct vision
i.e., 25 cm
eye should
away from the needle.
La the second part
of the experiment,
i.e., after removing the mirror M, the
and O should not be disturbed at all, positions of

Sources o f Error

Focal length of lens may not be smal1.

2. The uprights may not be vertical.

3. Parallax removal may not be perfect.