LABORATORY MANUAL

ACTIVITY 13
AIM
To study the nature and size of the image formed by (i) a convex
lens (ii) a concave mirror on a screen by using a candle and a
screen (for different distances of the candle from the lens/mirror).

(i) To study nature and the size of the image formed by a convex
lens. (for different distances of the candle from the lens)

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A candle, match box, a small candle-stand, a convex lens of small
focal length and known thickness, a screen with a stand, metre scale.

P RINCIPLE
The position, nature and size of the image of an object formed by a
thin convex lens varies with the change in the position of the object
as illustrated in Fig. A 13 (i).1(a) to A 13 (i).1(f) for some specific
positions. It is assumed that both the spherical surfaces of the lens
have same radi of curvature.

(a) Object is at infinity, i.e., u = ∞. A real, inverted and highly diminished

image is formed at the second principal focus, F2 on the other side
of the lens, i.e. v = f, (i) when incident rays of light is parallel to the
principal axis; and (ii) when incident rays of light are not parallel to
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A A

B F2 2F2 F2 2F2 B'

2F1 F1 O B' 2F1 B F1 O

A'
(c)
(d)
A'
A'

A
A

B F2 2F2 F2
2F1 F1 O
O B' 2F1 F1 B O

(e) (f)

Fig. A 13 (i). 1 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) The position, size and nature of the image A′ B′
formed by a thin convex lens LL′ for different positions
of the object AB.

the principal axis, the image is formed on the principal axis and
focal plane respectively.
(b) Object is in between infinity and 2F1, i.e., ∞ > u > 2f. A real, inverted
and diminished image lies in between second principal focus F2
and 2F2 on the other side of the lens, i.e., 2f > v > f.
(c) Object is at 2F1, i.e., u = 2f. A real and inverted image is also
formed at 2F2 on the other side of the lens, i.e., v = 2f. The size of
the image is equal to the size of object.
(d) Object is in between 2F1 and first principal focus F1, i.e.,
2f > u > f. A real, inverted and enlarged image is formed in between
2F2 and infinity on the other side of the lens, i.e., 2f < v < ∞ .
(e) Object is at the first principal focus, i.e., u = f. A highly enlarged,
real and inverted image is formed at infinity on the other side of
the lens, i.e, v = ∞.
(f) Object is in between the principal focus and the optical centre O
of the lens, i.e., f > u > 0. An enlarged, virtual and erect image is
formed on the same side of the object.

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P ROCEDURE
1. Obtain an approximate value of the focal length of the convex lens
by focussing the image of a distant object. It can be found by
obtaining a sharp image of Sun or tree on a plain wall, on the
other side of the lens and measuring the distance between the
lens and the wall with a scale. This distance is approximate value
of the focal length, f of the convex lens.
Note: Do not look at the Sun through the lens to see its image as it
will hurt your eyes.
2. Fix a metre scale along the edge (lengthwise) of the table with a
clamp or a cellotape.
3. Fix lens LL′ in a lens stand and place it approximately in the middle
of the metre scale such that its principal axis is horizontal and
parallel to the metre scale. In this position the lens would
lie in a plane perpendicular to the table.

4. Mount a lighted candle vertically on a small

candlestand. Place this candlestand on the
left hand side of the lens. Adjust the upright
such that the tip of the lighted candle lies
on the principal axis of the lens. In this
situation, the height of the tip of the flame
of lighted candle becomes equal to the
height of the optical centre of the lens.
Fig. A 13 (i). 2 Real images of a lighted candle
formed by a thin convex lens.

5. Shift the candlestand (from left side of the lens) to a point slightly
away from 2F1 ( i.e., to a distance slightly more than 2f from the
point O, where f is the focal length of the lens as determined in
step 1). According to Fig. A13 (i).1(b), the image of candle will be
formed at a position closer to the second principal focus F2 on the
right hand side of the lens.
6. Place a vertically mounted screen on the right hand side of the
lens. Adjust its height such that most of its portion lies above the
principal axis of the lens (Fig. A 13 (i)2).
7. Shift the position of the screen near to the second principal focus
F2 on the metre scale functioning as an optical bench.
8. Make final adjustments to get a sharp image of the lighted candle
on the screen. Note the nature of the image.
9. Measure the height of the flame of the lighted candle using a small
plane mirror strip with a graph paper strip pasted on it. Also
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measure the height of the image of the flame being formed on the
screen. For this, fix a small graph paper on the screen. Alternatively,
fix a white paper on the screen and mark the positions of the top
and bottom of the image and determine the height of the image
using a metre scale.
10. Shift the lighted candle towards the lens by a small distance (say
by 5 cm or 3 cm). Repeat steps (8) and (9) and record observations.
In this manner take at least six sets of observations.

O
BSERVATIONS

1. Rough focal length of the convex lens = ...cm

Table A 13 (i) 1 : Position, size and nature of image with different

positions of object

Position Position Size Position Size of Nature of Relative size

Sl.
of of of flame of image on the image image of image
No.
lens (cm) candle (cm) (cm) screen (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm)
1
2
--
6

R
ESULT
1. As the object moves towards the focus of the lens the size of the
image increases and it moves away from the focus. In all these
positions image is real and inverted and is formed on the other
side of the lens.
2. When the object is brought too close to the lens, the image on the
other side is not seen.
3. When the object is at a distance less than the focal length, the
image formed is virtual, enlarged and erect. It is formed on the
same side of the lens as that of the object.

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P RECAUTIONS
1. This experiment should be performed at a shaded place where no
direct light reaches (preferably in a dark room) otherwise the
images may not be distinctly visible.
2. While estimating the rough value of focal length f of the lens by
focusing the Sun, do not look at the image directly as it may hurt
your eyes.
3. The uprights supporting the optical elements should be rigid and
mounted vertically.
4. The aperture of the lens should be small otherwise the image
formed will not be distinct.
5. Eye should be placed at a distance more than 25 cm from the
image formed on the screen.

D ISCUSSION
1. If the object is placed between the optical centre and focus, the
image so formed will be virtual in nature, you will not get this
image on the screen. Draw the ray diagram.
2. When the candle is placed near the focus, the image is formed at
infinity. It may go beyond the end of the table.

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. How does the size of your image formed by a convex lens vary as
you move from the other end of the table towards the lens?
2. Where should the object be placed to get a virtual and erect image
of the object?
3. What should be the position of the object to get an image on the
same side of the lens as the object?
4. How does the position of the image formed by a convex lens vary
as you move along the principal axis of the lens from infinity to its
focus?
5. What will be the position of the object to get a real image having
the same size as the object?

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AIM
(ii) To study the nature and size of the image formed by a
concave mirror on a screen by using a candle and a screen
(for different distances of the candle from the mirror).

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

An optical bench, candle, match box, a small candlestand, concave
mirror of nearly 25 cm focal length, a screen, three uprights (with
clamps), metre scale, adhesive tape and spirit level.

P RINCIPLE
The position, nature and size of the image of an object formed by a
concave mirror changes with the position of the object. Figs. A13(ii).
1 (a) to (f), show the image formation by placing the object at different
positions in front of the mirror in different situations.
(a) Object is at infinity, i.e., u = ∞ . A real, inverted and highly
diminished image is formed at the principal focus, i.e., v = f.
(b) Object is in between infinity and the centre of curvature, i.e.,
∞ > u > 2f. A real, inverted and diminished image lies in
between C, the centre of curvature and principal focus, F,
i.e., f < v < 2f.
(c) Object is at centre of curvature, i.e., u = 2f. A real and inverted
image is formed at the centre of curvature, i.e., v = 2f. The size of
the image is equal to the size of object.

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(virtual image cannot

be obtained on a screen)

Fig. A 13 (ii).1 (a),(b),(c),(d),(e),(f) Formation of images by a concave mirror

(d) Object is in between the centre of curvature and principal

focus, i.e., 2f > u > f. Real, inverted and enlarged image is
formed in between C, the centre of curvature and infinity,
i.e., 2f < v < ∞ .
(e) Object is at the principal focus F, i.e., u = f. A highly enlarged,
real and inverted image is formed at infinity, v = ∞ .
(f) Object is in between the principal focus F and pole of the mirror
P, i.e., f > u > 0. An enlarged, virtual and erect image is formed
behind the mirror.
A real image (always inverted) is the one through which the rays
of light actually pass after reflection from concave mirror and
which can be formed on a screen. A virtual image (always erect)
is the one through which the rays do not actually pass, although
they appear to come from it. Thus, the images of an object (e.g.,
a burning candle) formed for situations illustrated in Figs. A13
(ii).1 (a) to (d) can be focussed on a screen. The size of image
may be determined by using a graph paper fixed on the screen.

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P
ROCEDURE
1. Obtain an approximate value of the focal length of the concave
mirror by focusing the image of a distant object. It can be found
by obtaining a sharp image of the Sun or a tree on a plane wall,
or on a sheet of paper and measuring the distance between the
mirror and the image with a scale. This distance is an approximate
value of the focal length, f of the concave mirror. Twice of this
focal length is an approximate value of the radius of curvature
of the mirror.
2. Place the optical bench on a rigid platform and using the spirit
level make it horizontal with the help of levelling screws provided
at the base of the bench.
3. Clamp the concave mirror on an upright and fix it near one
end of the optical bench such that its principal axis is
horizontal and parallel to the optical bench. In this position
the mirror would lie in a plane perpendicular to the principal
axis of the mirror.
4. Mount a lighted candle vertically on a small candlestand and
fix it on an upright. Place this upright near the reflecting
surface of the mirror. Adjust the upright so that the height of
the bottom of the candle (or top of the candlestand) becomes
equal to the height of the pole P of the mirror from the base of
the optical bench. In this situation the bottom of the candle
(or the top of the candlestand) would lie on the principal axis
of the mirror.
5. Mount the screen on another upright and adjust the height of
its top equal to the height of pole P from the base of the optical
bench. Thus, the position of the screen lies below the principal
axis of the mirror.

Note: In situations where ∞ > u > R; R > v > f, the object is kept above
the principal axis and screen is kept below the principal axis as shown
in Fig. A 13 (ii).2(a).

6. Shift the candle upright to another end of the optical bench so

that the distance of the candle from the mirror is much larger
than the focal length of the concave mirror. Thus, the position of
the candle in front of the mirror can be considered to be distant,
i.e., u >> R, and the image of the candle will be formed at a
position much closer to the principal focus F of the mirror [Fig.
A13 (ii).1 (a)] or v
f.
7. Read the positions of the mirror, screen and candle uprights on
the optical bench metre scale and record the readings in the
observation table.
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8. Measure height of the lighted candle using the metre scale. Also
measure the height of the image formed on screen as done in
step 9 of activity 13 (i).
9. Bring the lighted candle close to the centre of curvature C
(distance PC = 2 f ). Now the image will be formed in between the
points C and F, close to 2f. Adjust the position of the screen to
get a sharp image [Fig. A 13 (ii). 1(b)].

u M v M

P P
C F C F
f f

v u
M′ M′
2f 2f
(a) (b)

Fig. A 13 (ii). 2 Real images of a lighted candle formed by a concave mirror (a) u > v; and (b) u < v.

10. Place the candle at C. Shift the position of the screen near to the
principal focus F on the optical bench. Use the rough estimated
value of the focal length f of the mirror as determined in Step 1.
Make final adjustments to get a sharp image of the lighted candle
on the screen. Note the nature of the image.
11. Repeat steps 7 and 8 and record the observations and also note
the nature of image formed.
12. Shift the lighted candle such that R > u > f. Now the
image will be formed in between the point C and infinity,
i.e., ∞ > v > R [Fig. A13(ii).1(d)]. Now since u < v, the candle
(object) is placed below the principal axis while the screen
is placed above the principal axis, i.e. the top of candle
and bottom of the screen lie on principal axis as shown in [Fig.
A13 (ii). 2 (b)].

13. Repeat above steps by placing the candle at F and then between
F and P. Record your observations in Table A 13 (ii).1.

Note: When candle is placed at the centre of curvature C (i.e., u = R),

this method may not be useful for locating the position of image as it
is difficult to mount both the screen and candle at the same place on
the optical bench.
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O
BSERVATIONS
Approximate focal length of the concave mirror =...cm
Table A 13 (ii).1: Nature, size and position of image with different
positions of object

Position Position Size Position Size of Nature of Relative size

Sl.
of of of flame of image on the image image of image
No.
mirror (cm) candle (cm) (cm) screen (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm)
1
2
--
6

R ESULT
Observation on the nature, size and position of image shows that
1. The image moves away from the focus as the object is moved
towards the focus.
2. The size of the image increases as it moves away from the mirror.
3. If the object is placed between infinity and F the image formed by
a concave mirror is real and inverted.
4. If the object is placed between F and pole, the image is formed
behind the mirror and it is virtual, erect and enlarged.

P
RECAUTIONS
1. This experiment should be performed at a shaded place where
no direct light reaches (preferably in a dark room) otherwise the
images may not be distinctly visible.
2. While estimating the rough value of focal length f of the mirror
by focusing the Sun, do not look at the Sun through the mirror
as it may hurt your eyes.
3. The uprights supporting the optical elements should be rigid and
mounted vertically.
4. The aperture of mirror should be small otherwise the image
formed will not be distinct.
5. Eye should be placed at a distance more than 25 cm from the
image being formed on the screen.
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6. An error may arise in the observations if the top of optical bench

is not horizontal.
7. The general instructions to be followed in all optical bench
experiments must be taken care of.
8. The concave mirror should be front-coated. Otherwise multiple
reflections coming from the reflecting surface of the mirror will
confuse the accurate position of the image.

D ISCUSSION
1. You cannot exactly observe the characteristics of the image
formed when the object is between focus and pole of the mirror.
You can only check by moving the screen in front of it that the
image is not formed in front of the mirror. By drawing ray
diagram it can be seen that the virtual image is formed behind
the mirror.
2. The inferences corresponding to u= ∞ and u=f also be elicited by
the trends you observe and drawing ray diagrams, because, the
object and image (respectively) are situated outside the range of
optical bench.
3. The situation corresponding to u= 2f, may also be difficult to locate
because you have to place the candle and the screen at the same
position.

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. The focal length of a concave mirror is 20 cm, what is its radius of
curvature?
2. When an object is placed at 30 cm in front of a concave mirror, image
of the same size is formed. What is the focal length of the mirror?
3. Focal length of a concave mirror is 30 cm. What will be the
characteristics of the image formed, when the object is placed at a
distance of 40 cm in front of the mirror?
4. What is the effect on the size and intensity of the image formed
when the lower half of the concave mirror is painted black?
5. Is it possible to get a virtual image on the screen? If so, how?
6. In a similar experiment using lenses, the images look a little
coloured, unlike this experiment. What is the reason for this?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

Using a plane mirror and a single pin determine the focal length of a given
convex lens.
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