Focal Length Of Concave Mirror | Science Experiment
by Cisco Ramon | Nov 30, 2021 | Experiments , Physics Experiments
Introduction
In this science experiment, we will learn to determine the focal length of a concave mirror.
Spherical Mirror
Spherical mirrors are a type of curved mirror whose one reflecting surface is spherical, and another surface is coated with mercury and paint to protect from damage.
There are two types of spherical mirrors;
1. CONCAVE MIRROR – This spherical mirror has its reflecting surface curved inward, i.e. reflecting surface looks towards the centre of the sphere.
2. CONVEX MIRROR – This spherical mirror has its reflecting surface curved outward, i.e. reflecting surface faces away from the centre of the sphere.
Important Terms Used In Spherical Mirrors
1. PRINCIPAL AXIS – The line joining the centre of curvature and pole is known as the principal axis.
2. CENTRE OF CURVATURE – It is the centre of the spherical mirror from which the concave or convex mirror is formed.
3. RADIUS OF CURVATURE – It is the radius of the spherical mirror from which the
the mirror is formed.
4. POLE – The centre of the reflecting surface of a mirror is known as the pole of that mirror.
5. FOCUS – Focus is the point where the parallel light rays meet (concave mirror) or appears to meet (convex mirror).
6. APERTURE – The width of the reflecting surface of the mirror is called its aperture.
7. FOCAL LENGTH – The length between the pole and focus of a mirror is called the focal length, f.
FOCAL LENGTH OF CONCAVE MIRROR
FOCAL LENGTH OF CONVEX MIRROR
Mirror Formula
The relation between u, v and f is given by:
1/u+q/v = 1/f
This formula is valid for both the mirror (concave or convex).
Important Points Of Concave Mirror
1. Parallel light rays coming from a distant source passes from the focus after reflection. 2. Light rays coming from the focus pass parallel to the principal axis after reflection. 3. Light rays coming from the centre of curvature pass on the same path after reflection. 4. The light rays make an angle with the principal axis; after reflection, they will make an equal angle with the principal axis. 5. R = 2f is the relation between the radius of curvature and focus. 6. Real and inverted image is always formed in front of the concave mirror. 7. Virtual and erect images are always formed behind the mirror. 8. It converges the rays at one point.
Uses Of Concave Mirror
1. Rear-view mirror, 2. Headlights, 3. Head mirrors, 4. Telescopes, 5. Flashlights etc.
To find the focal length of a concave mirror by obtaining the image of a distant object.
Apparatus Required
1. A mirror holder, 2. A concave mirror, 3. Meter scale.
1. The focal length of a mirror is calculated by the formula 1/f = 1/v + 1/u 2. The nature and size of the image depend on the position of the object. 3. Objects should be placed on the left side of the mirror. 4. Image is formed on the right side of the mirror. 5. When a screen is placed at focus, a real and inverted image is formed.
1. Select a distant source of light, such as a tree. 2. Hold the mirror with the help of a mirror holder. 3. Adjust the concave mirror such that light coming from the tree falls on its reflecting surface. 4. Obtain a well-defined image on a white screen by moving a concave mirror. 5. Now, measure the distance between the concave mirror and the white screen with the help of a metre scale. 6. This is the measurement of focal length. 7. Repeat this experiment by changing distant sources with different distances.
Observations And Calculations
Mean value of focal length = ( f1 + f2 + f3 )/3
Precautions
1. Measurement should be taken accurately. 2. The distant object must be clearly located. 3. The formed image should be sharp and well defined. 4. Meter scale should be correctly placed between the white screen and the concave mirror.
Note:- You may perform this experiment even outside the laboratory.
In this way, we have learnt to determine the focal length of a concave mirror by obtaining the image of a distant object.
Viva Questions With Answers
Q.1 What was the aim of our experiment?
ANS. To find the focal length of a concave mirror by obtaining the image of a distant object on the screen.
Q.2 What is the sign of an object in a concave mirror?
ANS. Negative sign.
Q.3 What is the relation between the radius of curvature and focal length.
ANS. R = 2F
Q.4 What is the mirror formula?
ANS. 1/f = 1/v + 1/u
Q.5 What is a spherical mirror?
ANS. Sphericals mirrors are a type of curved mirror whose one reflecting surface is spherical, and another surface is coated with mercury and paint to protect from damage.
Q.6 How many types of spherical mirrors are there?
ANS. Two. Convex mirror and concave mirror.
Q.7 What is the nature of an image formed by a concave mirror?
ANS. Real and inverted except for one position when the object is placed between pole and focus.
Q.8 What is the nature of an image formed when an object is kept between pole and focus?
ANS. Virtual and erect.
Q.9 What is the sign of an image formed in a concave mirror?
ANS. Positive sign.
Q.10 Describe the difference between a real image and a virtual image?
ANS. A real image can be obtained on a screen, while a virtual image can not be obtained on a screen.
An Indian physicist and astronomer.
Search your Ideas here
Related projects.
- Focal Length Of Convex Lens | Science Experiment
- Image Formation by a Convex Lens | Science Experiment
- Top 10 Physics Science Fair Projects
- Top Project Ideas For Environmental Remote Sensing
- 10 Innovative Computer Science Projects
- Tumblr Test post
- How To Make Spooky Halloween Slime
- Top Gardening Science Projects
- Top 10 Science Projects For Elementary School
- Renewable Energy Projects For Kids
You May Also Like To Create…
Didgeridoo With Specific Base Frequency
In this science experiment, we will build a didgeridoo, a type of wind instrument that produces a...
Determining the Type of Particle in an Air Sample by Using Laser Light Scattering
Introduction In this experiment(Determining the Type of Particle in an Air Sample by Using Laser...
Cosmic Ray Shower Array Reconstruction
Introduction In this Cosmic Ray Shower Array Reconstruction experiment, we will analyze the event...
- Electronics
- Machine Learning
- Engineering
- Science Projects
- Online Training
- Video Tutorials
- Submit your Ideas
- Advertise with us
- Privacy Policy
- Terms and Conditions
IMAGES
VIDEO