E402

REMARKS/ANALYSIS OF DATA
On the first part of the Plane and Spherical Mirrors experiment, the angle of incidence
and reflection were determined by applying the laws of reflection. For this part, a ray table was
set up and above of it was the three-surface mirror to be shone upon by the light rays from the
source. Angle of incidence was set at 15 degrees and it was increased by 15 degrees per trial for
four times. Results showed that the angle of incidence was equal to the angle reflection after the
light ray reflected from one side of the three-surface mirror towards angle of reflection.
On the second part of the experiment, number of images observed was found out by
placing two plane mirrors while a push pin was placed between them. Given the angle between
plane mirrors, results showed that as the angle increases, the number of images counted between
the mirrors was decreasing as they are inversely proportional to each other. Also, results showed
that the observed number of images formed was equal to the calculated number of images.
On the third part of the experiment, the focal length of convex and concave mirrors was
determined by the reflection of convex and concave mirrors from the light rays of the source.
Focal point was determined by the intersection of the light incident and reflected rays between
the three-surface mirror and the light source in which the experimental radius was computed as
twice the value of the focal length for convex and concave mirrors. Actual radius of curvature
was then measured by drawing a circle and percentage of error was then computed by comparing
the values of experimental and actual radius.
On the last part of the experiment, the distances of object and image and also the
computed focal length was determined by the relationship between the image and object
distance. For the distance of object is greater than image, 5cm was added for each trial to move
the screen and it was found that object and image are inversely proportional. For the distance of
image is greater than object, 5cm was also added for each trial to move the candle and it was also
found out that they are inversely proportional. For the distance between object and image is
equal, the candle and the screen were on the same location to measure the distance from the
concave mirror and to determine the computed focal length. Given the actual focal length, the
percentage difference with the average focal length was then solved.
Possible causes of error occurred during the experiment were mostly human errors such
as the wrong plotting of focal point in the intersection of the rays as well as recklessness of
properly measuring the displacements of image and object.

CONCLUSION
Based on the outcome of the Plane and Spherical Mirrors experiment, I therefore
conclude that the number of images formed was determined when two plane mirrors were placed
surrounding a push pin by observing and also by calculating the true number of images formed
360
by the equation = − 1 , where I as the number of images and 𝜃 as the angle between the
𝜃
mirrors. Secondly, I also conclude that that the image formed was determined and described
using plane and spherical mirrors in which plane mirrors are always forming an image that is
virtual, erect, and equal size and distance as the object while spherical mirrors are forming an
image either real or virtual, erect or inverted, and enlarge or diminish. Lastly, I conclude that the
spherical mirror’s focal length and was determined in terms of computing for the object (p) and
image (q) distance when p > q, when p < q, and when p = q. All of these conditions determine
1 1 1 𝑝𝑞
the focal length derived from this equation = 𝑝 + 𝑞 to this simplified equation 𝑓 = 𝑝+𝑞 where
𝑓
focal length is the product of object and image distance divided by their sum.
In the aftermath of the experiment, I have understood how the concept of the law of
reflection works and also the theories regarding the image formation from plane and spherical
mirrors. The descriptive characteristics of image formed by each mirror helped me clearly
understand the descriptions of the image formed for plane, concave (represented by six cases),
and convex mirrors.
A good practical application of this experiment is that concave mirror is used as lamps,
headlights of cars, spotlights, and others while the convex mirror is used as side mirrors for cars
and it also uses as security mirror for armored vehicles. Moreover, a plane mirror is used in the
OHPs (overhead projectors), full length dressing mirrors, and others.

E402

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

E402

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

E402

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

REMARKS/ANALYSIS OF DATA

the values of experimental and actual radius.

properly measuring the displacements of image and object.

and convex mirrors.

OHPs (overhead projectors), full length dressing mirrors, and others.

You might also like