Moving an object and screen to find the focal length of a lens

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the focal length of a convex lens using the relationship between object distance, image distance, and magnification. The key equations involved are the magnification formula \( m = \frac{s'}{s} \) and the lens formula \( \frac{1}{s} + \frac{1}{s'} = \frac{1}{f} \). The focal length can be derived from the change in object distance \( \Delta s \) and the new magnification \( m_2 \) after moving the object and adjusting the screen. The final formula for focal length is established as \( f = \frac{\Delta s}{\frac{1}{m_2} - \frac{1}{m_1}} \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of convex lens properties
  • Familiarity with magnification concepts in optics
  • Knowledge of the lens formula \( \frac{1}{s} + \frac{1}{s'} = \frac{1}{f} \)
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the lens formula in optics
  • Explore the concept of magnification in detail
  • Learn about the practical applications of convex lenses in imaging
  • Investigate the effects of changing object distance on image formation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of lens behavior and image formation.

nofootcanman
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Homework Statement


A convex lens is used to project the image of an object on a screen with a magnification m1 . Leaving the lens fixed, the object is moved along the optical axis
by a distance Δs and the screen is moved until the image is located again. If the new
value of the magnification is m2 , Show that the focal lenghth \frac{Δs}{\frac{1}{m_{2}}-\frac{1}{m_{2}}}


Homework Equations


s'/s=m
1/s+1/s'=1/f
Where s is the position of the object and s' is that of the image/screen

The Attempt at a Solution


I used s1=s2+Δs and attempted to rearrange but got nowhere really.. any suggestions?
 
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nofootcanman said:
I used s1=s2+Δs and attempted to rearrange but got nowhere really.. any suggestions?
Please show your work then, so we can see what went wrong.
 

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