Focal length of the optical system

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the determination of the focal length of a convex lens system, particularly when a plane mirror and a liquid (water) are involved. Participants explore the implications of using a convex lens above a plane mirror and how the introduction of water affects the focal length measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a method for measuring the focal length of a convex lens by placing it above a plane mirror and moving an object along the principal axis until the image coincides with the object.
  • Another participant suggests that the presence of water between the convex lens and the plane mirror causes the water to behave like a concave lens, which may alter the focal length of the system.
  • A different participant references the formula for the total power of a lens system, indicating that the focal length of a combination of lenses can be calculated using the formula $$1/f = 1/f_1 + 1/f_2 + 1/f_3$$.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how to determine the variables in the lens formula, particularly how to measure the focal length of the combined system when two variables are involved.
  • Another participant acknowledges receiving clarification on their query from another thread, indicating that the way questions are posed can influence the responses received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how the introduction of water affects the focal length and how to measure it accurately. There is no consensus on the best approach to determine the focal length of the system involving the convex lens and water.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the behavior of light in different media and the definitions of focal lengths, but these assumptions remain unresolved within the discussion.

Raghav Gupta
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I understand this that when an object is kept at focus of convex lens, then image is formed at infinity.
So when we keep a convex lens above plain mirror and move object needle on the principal axis of convex lens and see a coinciding image with needle on lens and measure distance from lens then it is focal length of convex lens. As the Rays have retraced their path by being normal to plain mirror.

Now, when we pour some drops of water on plain mirror and again keep on top The convex lens, how in this case when the object and image coincides, on measuring the distance from convex lens this is the focal length of the system?
For some images see the link
http://www.seminarsonly.com/Enginee...ctive-Indices-of-Water-And-Turpentine-Oil.php
 
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when you have water in between the convex lens and a plane mirror, the water will act like a concave lens.
now, for a system of lenses, for example, if you place 3 convex lenses in contact, with each lens having focal lengthe ##f_1,f_2,f_3##, then we difine the total power P of the configuration as $$P=P_1+P_2+P_3$$
hence the focal length of a single lens which can act like the given combination is obtained from :
$$1/f = 1/f_1 + 1/f_2 + 1/f_3$$
now try to use this relation.
 
This is a experiment. I guess you might have done it for physics practical?
I will give you a link so you may remember it
http://uotechnology.edu.iq/dep-laserandoptoelec-eng/English/laboratory/1/U p/Determination the refractive index of a liquid by a liquid l.pdf

I know that relation and all formulas, but
in 1/F=1/f1+1/f2 from where we will get F and f2? 2 variables here to solve. One would say that F we will get by seeing the image and object coincide again but how that distance measured is theoretically focal length of the convex and liquid lens system?
f1 we have determined by measuring the distance of the image and object needle being coincident.
 
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Thanks Aditya for giving me an explanation but got the answer of my query from blue leaf, if you see my Focus point thread in general physics.
I think sometimes way of expressing questions have a lot of impact on people (As I think I did there and kudos to the guy for explaining in a nice way).
 
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