Description: This is kit used to demonstrate different properties of light using mirrors and lenses. All options for demos can be found below. Upon request you receive the entire kit.
Plane Mirror: This demonstration uses the plane mirror from the blackboard optics set to show how light reflects off a plane mirror.
Demonstration Procedure:
- Place the laser on the board and turn on. Use a piece of clay to cover the lasers so only one is visible.
- Attach the flat mirror to the blackboard clamp.
- Position the mirror on the black board facing the laser.
- Note that the laser beam reflects off the flat mirror. Adjust the mirror to have different angles and note what happens to the reflected laser light. Note that the incident angle is equal to the reflected angle.
Curved Mirrors: Using the convex and concave mirrors in the blackboard optics set, you can show how light is reflected. A discussion on focal points, radius of curvature, and virtual and real images can accompany this demonstration.
Demonstration Procedure:
- Place the laser on the board and turn on.
- Attach the Curved mirror to the blackboard clamp.
- Position the mirror on the black board facing the laser with the convex side showing (see first picture).
- Note how the laser beams reflect off the mirror. The focal point is virtual and not shown on the board.
- Rotate the mirror to have the concave side facing the laser (see second picture).
- Note how the laser beams reflect off the mirror. The focal point is now clearly visible and is real.
Lenses: This demonstration shows how a concave and convex lens works.
Demonstration Procedure:
- Place laser on board and turn on.
- Attach the convex lens to the blackboard clamp and place it on the blackboard.
- Note that the laser light converges when it leaves the lens at the focal point (see first picture).
- Take off the convex lens and attach the concave lens to the blackboard clamp.
- Note that the laser light diverges when it leaves the lens (see second picture).
- If you wish to block any of the laser’s during this demonstration, use the provided clay as shown in the pictures.
Laser Light
Do not stare at the laser beam. Do not point the laser at students.
Note: It works best if you have chalk on the chalk board. This will make it easier for the class to see the laser beam.
