Vernier Optics Expansion Kit - Manual

Optics
Expansion Kit
(Order Code OEK)
The Vernier Optics Expansion Kit
(OEK) is a set of lenses, holders, a light
source, a sensor holder, aperture plate,
and a screen for use with the Vernier
Track. The required Track is available
separately or as a part of the Vernier Dynamics System. Students can perform basic
optics experiments with this equipment. Some typical experiments done with the
system include
 Thin lens image formation from a converging lens
 Thin lens equation
 Image formation by a convex lens
 Focal length measurement
 Simple telescope construction
 Microscope
 Inverse-square law of light intensity from a point source
 Lens diameter and shape effects on image
The OEK requires the addition of a Vernier Light Sensor, an interface, and a
data-collection application for performing the inverse-square experiment.
Appropriate interfaces include the Vernier LabQuest ® 2, LabQuest, or LabPro ®
interfaces, the Vernier Go! ® Link, and the Texas Instruments CBL 2™. Appropriate
software includes Logger Pro ® for computers, LabQuest App for LabQuest 2 or the
original LabQuest, EasyData™ and DataMate™ for calculators, and DataQuest™
for the TI-Nspire™.
What is included with the Optics Expansion Kit?
The Optics Expansion Kit is shipped in one box containing the following parts:
 Light source with power supply
 Screen with holder
 Light sensor holder
 Aperture disc and holder
 100 mm focal length double convex lens in holder
 200 mm focal length double convex lens in holder
 –150 mm focal length double concave lens in holder
2
NOTE: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such
as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial
testing of any kind.
Common Holder Design
The lens holders, screen holder, aperture plate, light source and light sensor holder
all use similar plastic holders. These holders snap to the track with a slight pull to the
side. The base unit has fiducial marks to locate the center line of
a screen, sensor, light or lens held by the base. Read the scale on
the track through the hole in the base unit.
Lens Holders
The lens holders have the lenses permanently mounted. Do not
remove the lenses.
Screen Holder Assembly
The screen is marked with a millimeter scale.
Light Source Assembly
The light source uses a single white LED. A rotating plate lets
you choose various types of light for experiments. The open hole
exposes the LED to act as a point source. The other
openings are covered by white plastic to create luminous
sources. The figure “4” is for studying image formation,
and is chosen since it is not symmetric left-right or
up-down. The “L” shape is 1 by 2 cm in size. The
double-slit is used for depth-of-field experiments.
The plane of the luminous sources is located at the
position marked by the pointer on the base. In contrast,
the LED point source is located at the back edge of the holder. This location is
important to note for accurate distances in inverse-square experiments.
The power supply provided with the OEK is the same as the power supply for
LabQuest. A rocker switch on the back of the light source turns the light on and off.
Light Sensor Holder
The light sensor holder is used to position a Vernier Light Sensor for
inverse-square law experiments. Insert a Vernier Light Sensor until it
reaches the stop. The location of the sensor can then be read from the
arrows on the base.
Aperture Disc
An aperture disc can be placed immediately adjacent to a lens in order to
vary the effective diameter and shape of the lens. Experiments regarding
f/stop and brightness can thus be performed. A D-shaped aperture allows
the “half a lens” demonstration to be performed.