Activity 3

Introduction

Procedure

• Gather these items from your Optics Kit:
  • a Fresnel lens (the flat, ridged lens)
  • Lenses A and B

• Compare the Fresnel lens to Lens A and B. How is a Fresnel lens similar to a "regular" lens? How is it different?

• Feel the surface of the Fresnel lens. What do you notice? Make a sketch in your notebook of how you think the surface might look up close.

• See the previous Activity, Lenses, and follow the instructions for measuring the focal length and magnification of your Fresnel lens.

  
  
  

• How does the magnification of the Fresnel lens compare to that of the other lenses? Is its focal length shorter or longer than the other lenses?

• Can you find a practical use of a Fresnel lens in cars, flashlights, camping lanterns...?

To read more about Fresnel lenses, go to the Fresnel Lens Readings