PHY 212 Laboratory for 3/30/2004

Optics Exploration Lab

You are presented with several "problems" to be solved or explained. You are given only minimum information on how to solve the tasks. You are encouraged to solve these problems through discussions among the members of your "research" team. The equipment supplied is sufficient to accomplish the task but your team may design a method different from that envisioned by the instructor. You are free to use any equipment in the laboratory you wish. However, please check with the instructor before rewiring expensive equipment or constructing anything with power tools.

In your lab report, provide a description of the method you used as well as relevant diagrams, data, and/or calculations.

  1. The Periscope

    Look through the periscope with the top end facing to the front. Rotate the periscope tube until it faces the the back. Provide a ray diagram for the both the front and back positions. Use the diagrams to explain how the images are oriented as you see them.

  2. Images in Plane Mirrors

    How many images of a single object can be formed with two flat mirrors which meet at an angle of 90o? 60o? 120o? and 0o (facing each other)? It is important that you do not locate the object along the bisector, as that might "hide" one of the images. Sketch all the images for each case. (As you will see, it will not be possible to draw all the images for the 0o case. Just show the first four.)

  3. The Corner Reflector

    Look directly into the crease (joining two mirrors) at your image. Explain what you see and how this image differs from that created by a single mirror. You should turn your head and touch one side of your face to fully understand what is happening. Provide an explanation using a ray diagram.

  4. Fly's Eye

    Look through one of the fly's eye scopes and note the images. Be sure to also inspect the lens. Using a simplified diagram, explain how the multiple images are formed.

  5. The Kaleidoscope

    Using diagrams, explain how the kaleidoscope works and sketch how the images are formed. You may remove the liquid wand from the kaleidoscope and inspect the construction, but do not try to disassemble the scope. (Hint: It is all done with mirrors!)