AIM: - To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or between 1/u
and 1/v.
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED: -
An optical bench, two sharp-edged needle (pins), convex lens of less than 20 cm focal length, three uprights (with
clamps), index needle (may be a knitting needle), metre scale and spirit level.
PRINCIPLE: -
For an object placed at a distance u from the optical centre of a thin convex lens of focal length f, a real and inverted
image is formed on the other side of the lens at a distance v from the optical centre. The relation between these
1 1 1
distances is: - 𝑣 − 𝑢 = 𝑓 --- (i)
According to the new cartesian sign convention u is negative but v is positive.
Therefore, the equation (i) reduces to –
1 1 1
+ =
𝑣 𝑢 𝑓
𝑢𝑣
or 𝑓 = ---- (ii)
𝑢+𝑣
1 1
If we draw a graph between vs. then the graph will be a straight line having negative slope.
𝑣 𝑢
1 1 1
Now if = 0 then 𝑢 = 𝑓 or f = u
𝑣
1 1 1
Again if 𝑢 = 0 then 𝑣 = 𝑓 or f = v
1 1 1
So, the intercepts of 𝑣 vs. 𝑢 on both the axes will give the value of 𝑓.
Graph of u versus v is a hyperbola. When u = v, then each equal to 2f. By equation (ii) values of u and v are
interchangeable.
When an object (say, a pin) is placed in front of a thin convex lens at a distance equal to 2f, a real and inverted
image of same size as that of the object is formed at a distance equal to 2f on the other side of the lens. If the
object’s position lies in between distance 2f and distance f from the optical centre of the lens then a real, inverted
and magnified image is formed at a point beyond 2f from the optical centre on the other side of the lens.
Thus, by measuring the distances u and v, the focal length of the convex lens can be determined using equation (ii).
The focal length of the lens may also be determined by plotting graphs between u and v or between 1/u and 1/v.
DIAGRAM: -
OBSERVATIONS: -
Approximate focal length of the convex lens = ---- cm
Thickness of the thin convex lens (given), t = 0.5 cm
Table – I
Serial Position of Lens Position of Object Pin Position of Image Pin u=b–a v=b−c
no. upright (a) in cm upright (b) in cm upright (c) in cm in cm in cm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
CALCULATION OF FOCAL LENGTH BY PLOTTING GRAPHS: -
By drawing u – v graph:
After drawing the graph of u vs. v by taking u along the abscissa and v along the ordinate, we take a point P on the
graph. The significance of point P is – it is a point which is bisecting ∠VOU, so that the slope of the graph becomes 1.
We draw AP and BP. The lengths AP and BP both are equal to 2f. Thus, by plotting the u – v graph, the focal length of the
lens can be obtained.
Graph: -
RESULT: -
The focal length of the given converging thin convex lens: from u – v graph = ---- cm.
PRECAUTIONS: -
1. The uprights supporting the optical elements should be rigid and mounted vertically.
2. The aperture of the lens should be small otherwise the image formed will not be distinct.
3. Eye should be placed at a distance more than 25 cm from the image needle.
4. An error may arise in the observations if the top of the optical bench is not horizontal and similarly if the tips of
pins and optical centre of the lens are not at the same horizontal level.
5. The image and object needles should not be interchanged during the performance of the experiment, as this may
cause change in index corrections for object distance and image distance.
6. The tip of the inverted image of the object needle must touch the tip of the image needle and must not overlap.
This should be ensured while removing the parallax.
SOURCES OF ERROR: -
1. The uprights may not be vertical.
2. Parallax removal may not be perfect.
