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In an experiment to measure the focal length of a concave mirror, a student placed an object in front of the mirror so that a real image was formed - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 3 - 2015
Question 3
In an experiment to measure the focal length of a concave mirror, a student placed an object in front of the mirror so that a real image was formed. The student repe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In an experiment to measure the focal length of a concave mirror, a student placed an object in front of the mirror so that a real image was formed - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 3 - 2015
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram showing the arrangement of the apparatus used.
Answer
To draw a labelled diagram of the experimental setup, include:
- An object placed in front of the concave mirror.
- A concave mirror with its reflective surface facing the object.
- A search pin located at the focal point indicated by a dashed line.
- A screen positioned to capture the real image formed by the mirror. Ensure each element is appropriately labelled, reflecting the relationships between the object, mirror, and image.
Step 2
How was the position of the image located?
Answer
The position of the image was located by adjusting the screen until a sharp image of the object was formed. This was typically done by moving the screen back and forth until the image was at its clearest, indicating the exact distance from the mirror to the image. The sharpness of the image provides an indication of its correct position.
Step 3
Show the distances u and v on your diagram.
Answer
On the diagram:
- Label the distance 'u' as the distance from the object to the mirror.
- Label the distance 'v' as the distance from the image to the mirror. Both distances should be clearly marked to illustrate their respective measurements in centimeters as recorded in the table.
Step 4
Step 5
Why did the student repeat the experiment?
Answer
The student repeated the experiment to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results. By taking multiple measurements, the student could minimize errors and obtain an average value for the focal length, enhancing the validity of the findings.