Friday, December 4, 2015

HW - start thinking about the lab report

In the next 2 weeks, we'll have a quiz (or graded homework), test and formal lab.  The goal is to finish optics before winter break - there is enough time for this, without rushing.

Start thinking about (and writing) the formal lab.  Here is what you will need:



Basic structure of the lab report:

* Title

* Purpose of lab

* Data table - include all columns from your data, AND 1 more column:  calculated f

* Find the average f, and the percent error between your average and the expected f from the lens.

* Sample calculation for focal length (your data table will have ALL of the calculated values, but there is only need for one calculation to be shown)

* Graph(s) if you made any (they are not required, but a graph of di versus do might be instructive)

* Conclusion - probably the biggest, most detailed part of the lab.  Include the following:

 - Give sources of error.

 - Discuss how the image formation depends on object distance.  Note if there "transition points", etc.  This is the tough part of the conclusion (and the most mathematical).

- Discuss a technique for measuring the focal length of a concave lens (or convex mirror).

- Discuss the similarities between convex and concave mirrors and lenses.

 - Give a general conclusion.


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