Experiment-4

Object-
To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between (i) u and v
(ii) 1/u and 1/v
Apparatus required –
An optical bench with three uprights, a convex lens with lens holder, two
optical needles a knitting needle and a half meter scale.

Ray Diagram –

Theory-

The relation between u, v and f for convex lens is

Where,
f = focal Length of convex lens
u= distance of object needle from optical centre of the lens.
v= distance of image needle from optical centre of the lens.
 Observation –

Rough focal length of the lens = 10.7 cm

Observation Table –

S.No. Object Lens Image Object Image

Neddle A O Needle C distance distance
(cm) (cm) (cm) OA = u OC = v (cm-1) (cm-1)
(cm) (cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Calculation of focal length by graphical method- (Red colour only for

understanding don’t copy in record)

From u –v graph :-

Draw line OA making an angle of 450 with either axis (i.e. bisecting DYOX’) and
meeting the curve at point A. Draw AB and AC perpendicular on X’ and y’ axis,
respectively. For a convex

The values of u and v will be same for point A. So the coordinates of point A
must be (2f, 2f) because for a convex lens,

when u 2f, v = 2f.

Hence AB = AC = 2f or , v = 2f

f= and also f =
Mean value of f =--- cm

f = = = = ----cm

(i) From - graph :-

X’ – axis: 1 cm = -------Cm-1 of 1/u

Y – axis: 1 cm ------Cm-1 of 1/v

The straight line cuts the two axes OX’ and OY at the angle of 450 at points P
and Q ; respectively and making equal intercepts on the axes, Measure
distance OP and OQ.

Then focal length, f =

f = = = = ------cm
 Result –

The focal length of the given convex lens

(i) From u-v graph is, f= ----cm

(ii) From - graph is, f = -----cm

Precautions-

(i) Tips of the object and image needles should lie ath the same height as
the centre of the lens.
(ii) Parallax should be removed from tip to tip by keeping eye at a distance
at least 30 cm. away from the needle.

Sources of Error-

(i) The image and the object needles should not be interchanged for
different sets of observations.