Real Image -- Mirror

From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog

Return to Geometrical Optics

Real Image.gif
Real image.JPG

Description:

A box is constructed such that a lightbulb is hanging upside-down inside the box. A large concave mirror is placed behind the box, which causes an image of the lightbulb in the box to appear on top of the box. A "dummy" lightbulb that is not connected to a voltage source is screwed into the socket on top of the box. The image projected of the lit lightbulb inside the box makes the dummy lightbulb look as if it is illuminated. This effect is visible to all students in the classroom from all angles. The dummy bulb can be unscrewed and will still appear lit. It can be completely removed, and students in the center rows will still see the image of the inside bulb. The demo can be rotated so all can see the effect. At the end of the demonstration, the cart should be rotated 180 degrees so the students can see that the light source is upside-down, showing that the image is inverted as well as real.

Location:

  • BC-0 (Real image kit)
  • N-0 (Mirror)

Note: the long cart works nicely for this apparatus