Question

How will you determine the focal length of a convex lens by the plane mirror method?

Answer 1

Set-up the apparatus as shown in the figure. M is a rectangular sheet of plane mirror fixed in a vertical position in a stand and convex lens L is mounted on a lens stand. P is a pin, set up vertically in a pin stand. Mirror M is placed at the back of the lens. Now the pin P is adjusted by moving it backward and forward so that a real and inverted image of the pin is formed after reflection from the plane mirror M. The position of the pin is carefully adjusted so that there is no parallax between the upper tip of the pin and its inverted image. The distance between the needle and the lens gives the focal length of the lens. In this position rays of light starting from the tip of the pingo parallel to the principal axis and strike the reflecting surface of the mirror M normally. The parallel beam of light is reflected back along the same path and forms the image P‘ of the tip P at the focus of the lens.