Determining Focal Length of Convex Lens Without Apparatus

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the focal length of a convex lens without any laboratory apparatus. Two practical methods are proposed: indoors, by focusing the image of ceiling lights onto the floor, and outdoors, by using the lens to burn ants. Both methods rely on the approximation that the light source is at infinity, allowing for a rough estimate of the focal length based on the distance from the lens to the image formed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lens equations
  • Basic knowledge of optics
  • Familiarity with focal length concepts
  • Graph plotting skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the lens maker's equation for precise focal length calculations
  • Learn about different types of lenses and their applications
  • Explore methods for measuring focal length using optical benches
  • Investigate the effects of light source distance on image formation
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, amateur scientists, and educators looking for hands-on methods to teach optics concepts related to convex lenses.

xploitpatcher
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So I got a lab to plan and design an experiment to determine the focal length of a convex lens and involve the use of lens eq. and by means of plotting a graph...I have a basic rundown of what needs to be done and all but I am somewhat in a dilemma i don't have any access to any of the apparatus and I am clueless as to what values to make up...yes make up ma professor said it doesn't have to be precise but i want a rough estimate...HELP...my bad wrong thred
 
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It's easy to get a rough estimate- here's two ways:

1) For indoors- use the lens to make an image of the ceiling lights onto the floor. When the image is in focus, the distance from the lens to the floor is the focal length.

2) For outdoors: use the lens to burn ants. When you are able to do that, the distance from the lens to the ground is the focal length.

This works because of the approximation that the source (in either case) is at infinity.
 

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