ACTIVITY – FINDING FOCAL LENGTH OF CONCAVE LENS

Aim
To determine the focal length of:
 Concave mirror
 Convex lens by obtaining the image of a distant object.
Theory
Step to Find Focal Length of Concave Mirror?
 A concave mirror is defined as the spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved inwards
and follows laws of reflection of light. The light rays coming from a distant object can be
considered to be parallel to each other. If the image formed is real, inverted and very small in
size, then the parallel rays of light meet the point in the front of the mirror. The image formed
by the convex lens is real and can be obtained on the screen. f is used to denote the
difference between the principal axis P and the focus F of the concave mirror
Materials Required
1. A concave mirror 2. A measuring scale 3. A screen holder
4. A mirror holder 5. A mirror stand
Procedure
1. The distance between the selected distinct object should be more than 50 ft.
2. The concave mirror placed on the mirror stand and the distant object should be facing each
other.
3. The screen should be placed in front of the reflecting surface of the mirror. To obtain a clear,
sharp image the screen should be adjusted.
4. Using a metre scale the distance between the concave mirror and screen can be determined.
The distance is the same as the focal length of the given concave mirror.
5. Repeat the above procedure thrice to calculate the average focal length.

s
Observation Table
Sl.no Position of concave mirror (M) Position of screen (S) Focal length = (M-S)
cm

1 60 cm 50 cm 10 cm

2 60 cm 50 cm 10 cm
Calculation
Following is the mean value of the focal length of concave mirror:
f1+f2+f3 =10cm
Result
10 cm is the focal length of the concave mirror.
Precautions
1. To get a well illuminated and distinct image of the distinct object, the distant object should be
well illuminated.
2. A concave mirror should be always placed near an open window.