Thin Lenses and Virtual Images
Experiment #17 from Advanced Physics with Vernier — Beyond Mechanics
- Subject
- Physics
Introduction
In this experiment, you will investigate virtual images and examine two important applications of these images: the magnifying glass and the telescope. One of the many claims to fame of Galileo Galilei is his work refining the design of a refracting optical telescope. Telescopes use combinations of lenses to produce a magnified image.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use ray diagrams to show the formation of virtual images by concave and convex lenses.
- Contrast characteristics of real and virtual images.
- Examine the conditions under which a convex lens acts like a magnifying glass.
- Use a combination of lenses to form a telescope.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Correlations
Teaching to an educational standard? This experiment supports the standards below.
- International Baccalaureate (IB)/Physics
- C.1 Introduction to imaging
Ready to Experiment?
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Purchase the Lab Book
This experiment is #17 of Advanced Physics with Vernier — Beyond Mechanics. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
