Curved Mirrors and Images
Recommended for grades 11–16.
Introduction
While we all feel familiar with the images we see in plane mirrors, our experiences with their curved counterparts might be limited to cosmetic mirrors or the side view mirrors on automobiles. In this experiment, you will explore the characteristics of the real and virtual images formed by curved mirrors. Then you will develop a mathematical relationship describing the relationship between the positions of the object and the real image formed by concave mirrors.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use curved mirrors to produce real and virtual images.
- Explore how the position of the object affects the appearance, orientation, and size of real images produced by concave mirrors.
- Explore how mirror characteristics and the position of the object affect the appearance, orientation, and size of virtual images produced by concave and convex mirrors.
- Determine the relationship between object distance, image distance, focal length, and magnification in real images produced by concave mirrors.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
No standards correlations for this experiment.
Experiment 15 from Advanced Physics with Vernier - Beyond Mechanics Lab Book
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.