Experimental Physics

Geometrical Optics
Darren Lee Hua Ee
Module Code SP025
Sarawak Matriculation College
20 MARCH 2023
Keywords: Sharp image, lens, focal length

Abstract
This experiment is conducted to determine the focal length, f of a convex lens. Note that when the image distance
equals to focal length and the incoming light ray is from the infinity, the image formed is inverted and sharp.

Introduction
From the lens equation,
1 1 1
= +
𝑓 𝑢 𝑣
Where the f is focal length, u is object distance and v is image distance.

Multiply the whole equation with v,

𝑣 𝑣
= +1
𝑓 𝑢
𝑣 𝑣
− =− +1
𝑢 𝑓
𝑣
𝑀 =− +1
𝑓
By comparing with linear equation, y=mx+c;
Y is M
X is v
1
m is − 𝑓
c is 1

𝑣
Note that − 𝑢 = 𝑀, given M is maginification.

Hence, a linear graph of M against v can be drawn and the focal length of the lens can be determined through
calculation.

When v=2f, M=-1.

Methodology
Put the lens in front of a white screen. The sunlight is allowed to penetrate through the screen and form an image
on the screen. Adjust the image distance by moving the white screen until a sharp image is formed. The image
distance is the focal length as the parallel light from infinity will converge to the focal point and form a sharp image
after passing through the lens. Then, an object is placed in front of a white screen, a lens is placed in front of the
object and a light source in front of the lens. The light ray from the light source will pass through the lens and the
object. Adjust the white screen until a sharp and inverted image is obtained. Adjust the object distance by moving
the lens.

Data Analysis
Theoretical Data
𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ, 𝑓 = (15.0 ± 0.05)𝑐𝑚
𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑢(±0.05𝑐𝑚) 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑣(±0.05𝑐𝑚) 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑀
20.00 60.00 -3.00
21.00 52.50 -2.50
22.00 47.14 -2.14
23.00 43.13 -1.88
24.00 40.00 -1.67
25.00 37.50 -1.50

Experimental Data
𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ, 𝑓 = (15.0 ± 0.05)𝑐𝑚
𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑢(±0.05𝑐𝑚) 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑣(±0.05𝑐𝑚) 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑀
20.00 58.00 -2.90
21.00 54.00 -2.57
22.00 45.30 -2.06
23.00 40.40 -1.76
24.00 37.10 -1.55
25.00 33.80 -1.35

Computer-Generated Graph

Graph Magnification against Image Distance

33.80 38.80 43.80 48.80 53.80

-1.50

-1.70

-1.90

-2.10

-2.30

-2.50

-2.70

y = -0.0629x + 0.7862
-2.90

Calculation of Centroid

58.0 + 54.0 + 45.3 + 40.4 + 37.1 + 33.8

𝑥=
6
 268.6
=
6
= 44.77𝑐𝑚

−2.90 − 2.57 − 2.06 − 1.76 − 1.55 − 1.35

𝑦=
6
12.18
=−
6
= −2.03
The centroid is (44.77cm, -2.03)

Hand-Drawn Image
Linear Equation
𝑀 = −0.05952𝑣 − 1.30
Table of Uncertainties
𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑎 = 44.77𝑐𝑚
2
𝑥 𝑥−𝑎 (𝑥 − 𝑎)2 𝑦 𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝑦 − 𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 )

58.00 13.23 175.1211 -2.90 -4.75 1.85 3.4305

54.00 9.23 85.2544 -2.57 -4.51 1.94 3.7739
45.30 0.53 0.2844 -2.06 -4.00 1.94 3.7526
40.40 -4.37 19.0678 -1.76 -3.70 1.95 3.7950
37.10 -7.67 58.7778 -1.55 -3.51 1.96 3.8509
33.80 -10.97 120.2678 -1.35 -3.31 1.96 3.8407
∑=268.60 ∑=458.7733 ∑=22.4436

∆𝑚 = 0.11𝑐𝑚−1
∆𝑐 = 2.15

To calculate the focal length

1
𝑚=−
𝑓
1
−0.05952 = −
𝑓
𝑓 = 16.80𝑐𝑚

To calculate the ∆f
1
𝑚=−
𝑓
𝑑𝑚 1
=
𝑑𝑓 𝑓 2
𝑑𝑓 = 𝑑𝑚(𝑓 2 )
∆𝑓 = ∆𝑚(𝑓 2 )
∆𝑓 = (0.11)(16.80)
∆𝑓 = 1.85𝑐𝑚

To calculate the percentage of error

|𝑓𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 − 𝑓𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 |
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = × 100
𝑓𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦
|15.0 − 16.8|
= × 100
15.0
= 12.0%

Discussion

Reasons for errors

1. The image formed is not sharp enough.
2. The light ray is not bright enough.

Precautionary steps
1. Switch off the light source when it is not in use to avoid overheating.
 2. Use curtain to close the windows to avoid the light ray from outside.

Conclusion
The theoretical value of focal length is 15.0cm. The experimental value of focal length is (16.80 ± 1.85)cm. the
percentage of error is 12.0%. The experiment is successful because the theoretical value falls on the range of
experimental value.