GOALS

Physics

• Use the thin lens approximation for determining the focal length of an optical arrangement.
• Understand the optical mechanism of the eye.

Technique

• Use converging and diverging lenses.
• Use a laser to map out the human `blind spot'.

Errors

• Reconcile the errors of the thin lens approximation with the measurements taken with real equipment.

Questions (Work out in your lab book before coming to class)

1. How can you very quickly make an approximate measurement of the focal length of a converging lens? Could you use the same technique for a diverging lens?
2. You are marooned on a desert island and want to use your eyeglasses to start a fire. Can this be done if you ar near-sighted? If you are far-sighted?

References

• Young, University Physics, Extended Version w/ Modern Physics, 8th Edition, Addison Wesley, 1992.
• Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, Fundamentals of Physics, 4th Edition, Wiley, 1993.