A Physics Investigatory Project On
Determination of the Focal Length of a
Convex Lens using a Light Source
Submitted by:
Class XII Student
School: Delhi World Public School, Orai
Subject Teacher: Shashi Tiwari
Lab Incharge: Prince Rajawat
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project entitled "Determination of the Focal Length of a
Convex Lens using a Light Source" has been successfully completed and
submitted by the student of Class XII at Delhi World Public School, Orai under my
guidance. It is a genuine and original work carried out for the fulfillment of Physics
investigatory project requirements prescribed by CBSE.
Signature of Teacher: ___________________
Signature of Lab Incharge: ___________________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my Physics teacher Shashi Tiwari
for her valuable guidance and constant encouragement throughout the project. I
also extend my thanks to Prince Rajawat, the lab incharge, for providing the
necessary facilities in the Physics laboratory. Lastly, I would like to thank my
school, Delhi World Public School, Orai, for giving me this opportunity to explore
and learn.
INTRODUCTION
The focal length of a convex lens is one of the most important concepts in optics. A
convex lens is a transparent optical device that converges parallel rays of light at a
specific point known as the principal focus. The distance between the optical
center of the lens and this focus point is called the focal length. Determining the
focal length of a convex lens using a light source is a fundamental practical in
Physics, which helps in understanding image formation, lens formula, and
applications in devices such as cameras, projectors, and the human eye.
THEORY
When parallel rays of light from a distant object pass through a convex lens, they
converge at its principal focus. The focal length (f) of the lens is given by the lens
formula: 1/f = 1/v - 1/u where, u = object distance (distance of object from optical
center of lens)
v = image distance (distance of image from optical center of lens)
f = focal length of the lens By placing a convex lens on a stand and keeping a
distant object (like a light source), the image can be obtained on a screen. The
distance between the optical center of the lens and the screen gives the
approximate focal length.
AIM
To determine the focal length of a convex lens using a light source.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Convex lens
2. Lens holder/stand
3. Optical bench or table
4. Light source (candle or bulb)
5. Screen
6. Meter scale
PROCEDURE
1. Fix the convex lens on a lens holder placed on a table.
2. Place a light source (candle/electric bulb) at one end.
3. Adjust the screen on the other side of the lens to get a sharp, clear image of the
light source.
4. Measure the distance between the lens and the screen using a meter scale.
5. Repeat the experiment by varying the position of the lens.
6. Record the observations in a tabular form and calculate the focal length using
the lens formula.
OBSERVATIONS
S. No. Object Distance (u) Image Distance (v) 1/u (cm■¹) 1/v (cm■¹) 1/f (cm■¹) Focal Length f (cm)
1 60 20 0.016 0.050 0.066 15.1
2 50 25 0.020 0.040 0.060 16.6
3 40 26.7 0.025 0.037 0.062 16.1
4 45 22.5 0.022 0.044 0.066 15.1
CALCULATIONS
From the lens formula:
1/f = 1/v - 1/u
Substituting values from the table:
For observation 1:
1/f = 1/20 - 1/60 = 0.050 - 0.016 = 0.034
f = 1/0.034 ≈ 29.4 cm Similarly, for other observations, the average focal length is
calculated.
Average focal length ≈ 16 cm
RESULT
The focal length of the given convex lens is found to be approximately 16 cm.
APPLICATIONS
1. Convex lenses are used in cameras to focus light.
2. They are used in projectors to form enlarged images.
3. They are used in magnifying glasses.
4. Convex lenses are used in the human eye (eye lens) for focusing light on the
retina.
5. They are used in optical instruments such as telescopes and microscopes.
PRECAUTIONS
1. The lens and screen should be kept vertical.
2. The image should be sharp and well-defined.
3. The lens should be handled carefully to avoid scratches.
4. Observations should be taken more than once for accuracy.
5. The meter scale should be used properly for precise measurement.
CONCLUSION
Thus, the focal length of the given convex lens was successfully determined using
a light source.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NCERT Physics Class XII
2. Comprehensive Practical Physics by Laxmi Publications
3. Physics Lab Manual by Arihant
4. Online resources (Wikipedia, Physics Classroom, Byju’s)
