Physics 5054 · O Level · Thin lenses

Thin lenses — practice question

A student uses a converging lens to examine the image it produces.
(a)[1]

Measure and note the height $H$ of the triangular object.

(b)[2]

The student turns on the lamp, positions the lens $u = 20.0\,\text{cm}$ from the object and moves the screen until a sharp image appears.

(c(i))[1]

Measure the image height $h$ on the screen shown in Fig. 3.3.

(c(ii))[1]

Calculate the value of $\frac{1}{h}$. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

(c(iii))[2]

Complete the headings by supplying suitable units and work out the remaining values of $\frac{1}{h}$ in Table 3.1.

(d)[1]

Suggest why the student does not use $u$ values below $20.0\,\text{cm}$.

(e)[4]

On the grid provided, plot $\frac{1}{h}$ on the $y$-axis against $u$ on the $x$-axis. Begin both axes at the origin $(0,0)$ and draw the straight line of best fit.

(f(i))[2]

Calculate the gradient $m$ of your line. Show all working and indicate on the graph the values you use.

(f(ii))[1]

Calculate the focal length $f$ of the lens using $f = \frac{1}{mH}$.

(g)[1]

Suggest one improvement to the apparatus that would solve the problem of the student’s hand and ruler blocking the light while measuring $h$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 16-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $2.6\pm0.1\,\text{cm}$

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