Types of images in Reflection of Light By Different Surfaces – Class 10 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Reflection of Light By Different Surfaces
Activity Name: Types of images in Reflection of Light By Different Surfaces
Activity Description:
In this experiment, the aim is to observe the types of images formed by a concave mirror and measure the object distance and image distance from the mirror. A candle is used as the object, and its position is varied at different distances from the mirror along the mirror’s axis.
By moving a paper screen, the position where a sharp image is obtained on the paper is determined. The observations are grouped based on the type of image seen, whether it is bigger or smaller, and whether it is inverted or erect.
Required Items:
- A candle
- Paper (screen)
- Concave mirror with a known focal length
- V-stand
- Measuring tape or meter scale
Step by Step Procedure:
- Place the concave mirror on the V-stand.
- Set up a candle at different distances (ranging from 10cm to 80cm) from the mirror along its axis.
- Move the paper screen to find the position where a sharp image of the candle is formed on the paper.
- Record the object distance and the corresponding image distance for each position of the candle.
- Note down the type of image observed for each position, i.e., whether it is bigger/smaller and inverted/erect.
Experiment Observations:
- Record the object distance, image distance, and type of image (bigger/smaller, inverted/erect) for each position of the candle.
Note down your observations in table format:
Precautions:
- Ensure the flame of the candle is positioned above the axis of the mirror, and the paper screen is below the axis.
- Handle the concave mirror with care to avoid any damage.
- Keep the surroundings well-lit to get clear observations of the images.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
Through this experiment, students will learn about the formation of images by concave mirrors. They will observe that the type of image formed (bigger/smaller, inverted/erect) depends on the object distance and the position of the object relative to the focal point and center of curvature of the concave mirror.
