22 Activities

Physics/D'Amato 2007 Unit 22 Page 1 Period ____ Name _________________________________
22.1.1. Observe and explain - pointing at the reflection

In our classroom, a candle is positioned in front of a plane mirror. Students observe the image of the candle in the mirror. Each
student points a meter stick in the direction of the image they see in the mirror.
1. Draw lines extending from each ruler through the other side of the mirror. What is at the point where all the lines converge?
2. Do all the observers agree on this location? How do you know?
3. Is it OK to say that image of the candle is behind the mirror? Why, or why not?
4. Suggest a rule that could explain where a plane mirror forms the image of an object
Chris D'Amato 2007 Portions copyright 2006 Van Heuvelen & Etkina
22.1. 2. Reason and explain - where is the image?
We will use optics and geometry to explain why the image of the candle is the same distance from the mirror as the candle.
The figure below shows two arbitrary rays from one point on a candle. The rays are incident upon a plane mirror.
1. Draw rays 1 and 2 after they are reflected from the mirror
2. Draw observers who see the rays after they are reflected. Where will each observer see the candle?
3. Extend the reflected rays to the other side of the mirror and show where the image of the candle is located.
4. Use geometry to prove that the image is the same distance behind the mirror as the candle is in front
Geometry toolbox: Showing that

two angles are the same
1
2
Vertical angles: 1 = 2
Angles around a transversal
x° y°
A B
y° x°
1
x° y°
C D
y° x°
If AB || CD and a line cuts across both,
corresponding angles around each
intersection are equal
22.1. 3. Predict and test - where is the image?
Kyle and Katrina are investigating the image of a candle produced by a plane mirror. Kyle says the image is on the surface of the
plane mirror. Test his idea by designing an experiment whose outcome contradicts a prediction based on his idea.
5. What does Kyle mean?
6. Describe an experiment to test Kyle's idea
7. Predict the outcome of the experiment based on Kyle's idea
8. Perform the experiment and record the outcome
9. Discuss whether the experiment disproves Kyle's idea
Geometry toolbox: Showing that two triangles are the same

SSS If three sides of one triangle are congruent to three sides of another triangle,
the triangles are congruent.
SAS If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent to the
corresponding parts of another triangle, the triangles are congruent.
ASA If two angles and the included side of one triangle are congruent to the
AAS If two angles and the non-included side of one triangle are congruent to the
HL If the hypotenuse and leg of one right triangle are congruent to the
Chris D'Amato 2007 Portions copyright 2006 Van Heuvelen & Etkina corresponding parts of another right triangle, the right triangles are congruent.
22.2.1. Represent and reason - location of image in a plane mirror
A candle burns in front of a plane mirror as shown in the following three illustrations. For each case, locate the flame’s image by
drawing any two rays on the illustration.
1. 3.
2.
4. Devise a rule that can be used to locate plane-mirror images without drawing rays
22.2.2. Represent and reason - size of image in a plane mirror

1. Use a ray diagram to determine the size of the image of this candle. Hint: locate the image of the tip of the flame, and locate
the image of the bottom of the wax.
2. How does the size of a plane-mirror image change (increase or decrease) when the object is moved farther away?
3. How does the size change when the object is moved closer?
4. Summarize your conclusions about how the size of the image changes as the object moves
22.2. 4. Predict and test - viewing your face in a mirror
1. Use a ray diagram to predict whether or not this man can see his whole face in this small mirror.
2. Draw a ray diagram to predict whether he will be able to see more or less face when the mirror is far, and when the mirror is
close.
3. How will the man's view change as the small mirror is moved from vary close to far away?
4. Test this prediction using your own face and a small mirror. Does the result match your prediction?
22.2.3 Represent and reason - size of a dressing mirror
Imagine that you stand in front of a plane mirror to look at your image.
(a) Draw a ray diagram to determine the minimum size of a mirror in which you can see your entire body.
(b) Where should you put the top of the mirror relative to the top of your head?
22.1. 5. Observe and explain - a beam reflects from a concave mirror
Shine the light from a laser pointer on a plane mirror and observe the reflected ray. Then shine it on a curved mirror, which is a
piece of a sphere of radius R (concave). For two examples, the light reflects as shown in the illustration.
incident beam incident beam
Plane mirror Concave mirror
reflected beam O
reflected beam
5. Explain this behavior in terms of the law of reflection. Note: The dashed line R passes through what would be the center O of
the sphere from which the mirror was cut.
Vocabulary:
Something that is concave bends inward. A perpendicular line from the center of a mirror is called the main axis:
This is easy to remember, it's like a cave.
main axis main axis
Use your brain
Use your visual brain and your real-world knowledge!
We have been investigating mirrors and reflection and the way images are formed. Scientists around the world pursue new
discoveries in order to increase the range of human understanding or to enable us to do new things.
Unfortunately, sometimes technology is used for dubious purposes. Watch this video from Germany and see if you can explain
what you see using what you know.
Describe using words and pictures.
Use your language brain and your picture brain!

Consider these two highly technical definitions:
Real image: If an optical device such as a mirror, a lens or a combination of the two causes the light from one point on an object
to reflect or bend so that it refocuses at some other point, then that point is said to be a real image of the object point. The optical
device refocuses light from each point on the object to form a real image of that object.
Virtual image: An optical device such as a mirror, a lens or a combination of the two sometimes causes the light from one point
on an object to reflect or bend so that it diverges and never refocuses. However, if your eye looks at this diverging light, it
appears to diverge from some point other than the actual point on the object. This point is said to be the virtual image point of the
object point (the word virtual means the light does not actually diverge from that point). The lens or mirror causes light from
each point on the object to appear to diverge from a corresponding point on the so-called virtual image. The light reflected from
the mirror or refracted by the lens appears to come from this virtual image.
1. Which kind of image is the image of a candle in a plane mirror? How does it match the definition?
2. Which kind of image is a light bulb projected on the wall through a pinhole? How does it match the definition?
22.1.6 Predict and test - parallel beams incident upon a concave mirror (protractor required)
Laser pointers are aimed parallel to the main axis of a concave mirror. Point O is the center of the sphere from which the mirror
was cut.
1. Predict the path of the beams using the law of reflection. Work extra-carefully!
2. Try this mirror of a different curvature
3. What pattern do you see in these reflected beams?
4. Does this pattern appear for ALL incident beams?
Definition: focal point
Point the beams of the lasers parallel to the main axis of the
mirror (a horizontal axis through the center of the mirror).
After reflection, they all pass through the same point exactly
in the middle between the mirror and the center of the sphere
from which the mirror was cut.
This point is called the focal point — the point through
which rays parallel to the axis of the concave mirror pass
main axis
after reflection from the mirror. O
focal point center
22.1.7 Predict and test - focal point of a concave mirror

You have a concave mirror and laser pointers.
1. Draw a ray diagram to predict what will happen if you aim the beam of the laser from three different directions so that the
beam passes through the focal point before hitting the mirror.
main axis
F O
focal point center
2. Perform the experiment and record the outcome. Discuss whether the prediction was confirmed.
3. How is this similar to the experiment in 22.1.6?
4. How is this different from the experiment in 22.1.6?
22.1.7 Predict and test - parallel rays incident upon a concave mirror
Consider a convex mirror. Rays of light that are parallel to each other but not to the mirror's main axis are incident upon the
mirror.
1. Use the law of reflection to predict what will happen to the reflected rays.
main axis
F O
focal point center
2. Predict the behavior of parallel rays from a different direction, also not parallel to the main axis.
main axis
F O
focal point center
3. What can you predict about the reflection of parallel rays incident upon a concave mirror?
22.1.11 Predict and test - Images in a concave mirror
You can see an object because light rays diverge from the object in all directions and enter your eye.
If the light rays diverge (or seemed to diverge) from some other point, that is where you would see the object instead.
Use the following instructions to help you predict where the image of a distant candle would appear in this concave mirror.
main axis
F O
focal point center
4. Draw two rays from the tip of the candle flame and show how they are reflected from the mirror. Hint: choose two rays that
are easy to reflect.
5. Locate the point where these reflected rays come together. Are light rays diverging from this point also?
6. Draw two rays from the bottom of the candle stick and show how they are reflected from the mirror. Hint: choose two rays that
are easy to reflect.
7. Locate the point where these reflected rays come together. Are light rays diverging from this point also?
8. What would you expect to see if you placed a piece of white board near the place where these reflected rays converge?
22.1. 6. Observe and explain- a beam reflects from a convex mirror

Shine the light from a laser pointer on a curved mirror, which is a piece of a sphere of radius R (convex). The light reflects as
shown in the illustration.
incident beam
Convex mirror
reflected beam
R
9. Explain this behavior in terms of the law of reflection.
22.1.7 Predict and test - reflections from a convex mirror
1. Predict the path of rays reflected from a convex mirror if the incident rays are parallel to the mirror's main axis.
convex mirror
main axis
O
center
2. Identify a point where the rays meet after reflection, or alternatively, a point from which all of the reflected rays seem to
originate.
3. Does a convex mirror have a focal point? If so, where?
22.2.4 Represent and reason - "shortcut" reflections from a concave mirror
Practice the "shortcut rays" we know how to draw without measuring any angles.
1. Draw an incident ray on the main axis
2. Draw an incident ray that is parallel to the main axis
O
f
3. Draw an incident ray that passes though the focal point of the mirror, but not parallel to the main axis
O
f
4. Draw an incident ray that passes through the center O, but not parallel to the main axis
5. Draw an incident ray that is parallel to the previous ray
O
f
22.2.4 Represent and reason - "shortcut" reflections from a concave mirror (alt)
Using your protractor and the rules of reflection that we have developed, sketch the following carefully.
6. Draw a concave mirror cut from a sphere 10cm in radius.
7. Draw the main axis of the mirror
8. Add the following light rays, and show how they reflect from the mirror:
(a) a ray parallel to the main axis of the mirror
(b) a ray that passes though the focal point of the mirror, but not parallel to the main axis
(c) a ray that passes through the center of the sphere from which the mirror was cut, but not parallel to the main axis
(d) a ray that is parallel to the ray in part c
22.3.1 Lab - Estimate the focal length of a concave mirror
"Focal length" is the distance between the surface of the mirror and the focal point.
You have a concave mirror, meter sticks, laser beam, and any other equipment you can find in the classroom. Estimate the focal
length of the mirror in two different ways. Address the following questions for each method:
9. Describe the experiment you will perform using words and a picture.
10. Describe what quantities you will measure
11. Describe the sources of measurement uncertainty and estimate the amount of uncertainty in your measurements
12. Describe assumptions you are making in performing the experiment
13. Perform the experiment, record your measurements, and calculate your answer.
14. Repeat steps 1-5 for the second method
7. Compare the results from both experiments. Which experiment do you think is more accurate? Why?
22.1.7 Represent and reason - images in a convex mirror
Point O below indicates the center of the circular shape of the mirror
1. Locate the image of the stop in the convex mirror by drawing two light rays that reflect from the mirror, and tracing them back
behind the mirror.
2. Find the image of the front of the truck using the same method
3. Find the image of the rear of the truck using the same method
main axis
O
4. Consider the size of the image of the truck. Does this match your real-world experience?
22.2. 7. Predict and test - images of a point in a concave mirror
A small bright object like my LED light is located at various point near a concave mirror. Use "shortcut rays" to locate the image
of the object.
5. Where should the image appear? Perform the experiment. Does the result match your prediction?
O
f
O
f
22.2. 8. Predict and test - images of an object in a concave mirror
1. Locate the image of the candle when the candle is located at distance s < f.
Describe the image. Is it

upright or inverted?
Enlarged or reduced? Real
or virtual?
s f O
2. Locate the image of the candle when the candle is located at distance s > R

Enlarged or reduced?
Real or virtual?
f O s
3. Locate the image of the candle when the candle is located at distance f < s < R.

Enlarged or reduced? Real
or virtual?
f s O
Summarize and review - real and virtual images
A convex mirror is capable of forming both types of image, depending on where the object is located.
In this example, observers would agree that the reflected light rays seem to be coming from a point behind the mirror. When
reflected light rays are not actually coming from the spot where the image is seen, we call it a virtual image.
virtual image
In the example below, observers would agree that the reflected light rays diverge from a point in front of the mirror. In this case,
the light rays that reach the viewer's eye are actually coming from the location of the image. This is called a real image.
f
real image
4. What type of image is formed by a plane mirror? Draw a ray diagram and explain.
5. What type of image is formed by a convex mirror? Draw a ray diagram and explain
22.1.10 Convex lens - predict and test
A convex lens has surfaces formed from the outside of a sphere. The centers of
the spheres are shown as O1 and O2 in the figure. R
main axis
O1 O2
R
6. Light rays from the sun which reach the earth are almost perfectly parallel. Estimate the path of light rays though the convex
lens below.
O1
O2
7. On a sunny day, how could you test this prediction?
22.1.9. Represent and reason - convex lens
1. Estimate the path of the light rays through the lens below
main axis
main axis
2. Locate the focal point(s) of the convex lens above

3. A small bright object is placed at a focal point of the lens below. Draw the light rays emitted by the object and show how they
are refracted by the lens. Does the lens form an image of the object? Real or virtual?
22.1.10. Represent and reason - concave lens
1. Estimate the path of the light rays through the lens below.
2. Is there a focal point that all the refracted rays pass through, or is there a point from which they all appear to diverge? Locate
the focal point(s) of the concave lens above
3. A small bright object is placed at a focal point of the lens below. Draw the light rays emitted by the object and show how they
are refracted by the lens. Does the lens form an image of the object? Real or virtual?
22.2. 11. Shortcut rays for lenses
4. Draw three different rays whose path through the convex lens you can predict precisely without measurement or calculation
f
f
5. Draw three different rays whose path through the concave lens you can predict precisely without measurement or calculation
f f
22.2.12. Evaluate the reasoning

Paul Hewitt, the author of a popular physics textbook, calls a convex lens a "converging lens" and a convex lens a "diverging
lens". How would you convince Paul that this classification is not always correct?
22.2. 13. Represent and reason - Images formed by a convex lens
1. Locate the image of the small bright object by drawing shortcut rays through the lens. Describe the image as real or virtual,
upright or inverted, and reduced or enlarged.
f
f
2. Locate the image of the candle by drawing shortcut rays through the lens. Describe the image as real or virtual, upright or
inverted, and reduced or enlarged.
f f
f f
22.2. 14. Represent and reason - Images formed by a concave lens
1. Locate the image of the small bright object by drawing shortcut rays through the lens. Describe the image as real or virtual,
upright or inverted, and reduced or enlarged.
f f
f f
22.3.1 Derive and evaluate
The ray diagram and the reasoning that follows allows you to derive a mathematical relationship between the distance of the
object from a mirror s, the distance of the image from the mirror s’, and the focal length of the mirror f. Carefully examine the
derivation and evaluate the outcome using limiting case analysis and your knowledge of how lenses form images of objects. AB
is a bright object; A1B1 is the image of the object. (M, N, and C are points on the mirror, where rays hit it.)
A M
F
B′ C
B O
A′ N
f
s′
s
Under what conditions will AM be almost equal to BC?

Under what conditions will MC and CN be almost straight lines?
Under what conditions will AB be almost equal to MC?
ABF and NCF are similar triangles, therefore:
f CF MC AB
  
s   f BF AB  AB 
A'B'F and CMF are similar triangles, therefore:
s  f BF AB AB
  
f FC CN AB 
Therefore
f s f


s f f
Or, after some algebra, we get a relationship that is called the mirror equation.
1. Rearrange the last expression to combine s, s', and f to form the "mirror equation". Each quantity should appear only once.
1

f
2. Does the relationship make sense when the object is infinitely far away? Support your answer with a ray diagram.
3. Does the relationship make sense if an object is placed right at the focal point? Support your answer with a ray diagram.
4. Does the relationship make sense when the object is between the mirror and the focal point? Support your answer with a ray
diagram.
5. Describe carefully all the assumptions that we made deriving the relationship.
22.4.1 Regular problem Use ray diagrams and the lens equation derived in Activity 22.3.3 to locate the position, orientation,
and type of image formed by an upright object held in front of a concave mirror of focal length +20 cm. The object distances are
(a) 200 cm, (b) 40 cm, and (c) 10 cm.
22.4.2 Regular problem A large concave mirror of focal length +3.0 m stands 20 m in front of you. Describe the changing
appearance of your image as you move from 20 m to 1 m from the mirror. Indicate distances from the mirror where the change in
appearance is dramatic.
22.4.3 Regular problem Archimedes was known to burn enemy ships by starting a fire with a mirror. Was it a concave or a
convex mirror? Determine the focal length of the mirror Archimedes might have used to burn ships that were 150 m away.
Justify your answer.
Practice
1. Locate the image of an object placed beyond the focal point of a concave mirror
2. Locate the image of an object placed inside the focal point of a concave mirror
3. Locate the image of an object placed near a convex mirror
4. Locate the image of an object placed beyond the focal point of a convex lens
5. Locate the image of an object placed inside the focal point of a convex lens
6. Locate the image of an object placed near a concave lens

22 Activities

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

22 Activities

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Physics/D'Amato 2007 Unit 22 Page 1 Period ____ Name _________________________________

22.1.1. Observe and explain - pointing at the reflection

2. Do all the observers agree on this location? How do you know?

Geometry toolbox: Showing that

Angles around a transversal

6. Describe an experiment to test Kyle's idea

7. Predict the outcome of the experiment based on Kyle's idea

8. Perform the experiment and record the outcome

9. Discuss whether the experiment disproves Kyle's idea

Geometry toolbox: Showing that two triangles are the same

22.2.2. Represent and reason - size of image in a plane mirror

main axis main axis

Use your language brain and your picture brain!

2. Try this mirror of a different curvature

3. What pattern do you see in these reflected beams?

4. Does this pattern appear for ALL incident beams?

22.1.7 Predict and test - focal point of a concave mirror

3. How is this similar to the experiment in 22.1.6?

4. How is this different from the experiment in 22.1.6?

22.1. 6. Observe and explain- a beam reflects from a convex mirror

9. Explain this behavior in terms of the law of reflection.

3. Does a convex mirror have a focal point? If so, where?

Describe the image. Is it

Describe the image. Is it

Describe the image. Is it

7. On a sunny day, how could you test this prediction?

2. Locate the focal point(s) of the convex lens above

22.2.12. Evaluate the reasoning

Under what conditions will AM be almost equal to BC?

3. Locate the image of an object placed near a convex mirror

6. Locate the image of an object placed near a concave lens

You might also like

Physics/D'Amato 2007 Unit 22 Page 1 Period Name _____________________________