Physics Demo Number: 087

Approximate Run Time: 5 min

Real Image on Wall With Concave Mirror

Demo Description

Demonstrate the images created by concave and convex mirrors. Contrast the diffuse and the specular reflections of a laser beam.

Scientific Principles

• Real image formation of spherical concave mirrors

• Image formation of a spherical convex mirror

• Plane Mirror imaging

Equipment

• Goose-neck Lamp

• Concave and Convex Mirror

• Aluminum Foil

• Front Surface Mirror

Equipment Location

• Goose-neck Lamp is in Kit (087) on [C-2-1].

• Concave and Convex Mirrors are in Kit (087) on [C-2-1].

• Foil and Front Surface Mirror also in Kit (087).

Instructions

The photo shows the goose-neck lamp with aluminum foil covering the incandescent bulb.

There is  a crude arrow shape cut in the foil to give a lighted arrow source.

Alternatively, one  may simply form an image of the whole bulb with the concave mirror.

In the box in the foreground of the  photo are the concave and the convex mirror, which are now resident in Kit(087).

One may reflect a laser beam from the front surface plane mirror and contrast the result obtained by diffuse reflection from the crumpled foil.

Writeup created by David A. Burba

Copyright © 2011, Vanderbilt University.   All Rights Reserved.