Physics Classroom is making strides to make our site accessible to
everyone, and features many accessibility features.
Our site contains 6 navigation areas. The Primary, Secondary,
and Page Level navigations have a screen reader version of their nav
structure that allows using the left and right keys to navigate sibling
navigation items, and up or down keys to navigate parent or child
navigation items. The others can be navigated using tabs.
Within the main content, we leverage headers to provide in page or
in tool navigation.
Although we are still rebuilding our content to leverage these tools,
our images should have both short and verbose descriptions, the later
describing in great detail the image for those who cannot see. Any
formulas found within the images are often in the image figure below the image.
Equations and formulas are rendered using MathJax, which has both verbal,
braille (including nemath braille), and keyboard navigation within them.
Learn how to configure and leverage this for various screen readers on our
Equation Navigation Page.
While not every area of
Physics Classroom is usable purely from keyboard and screen reader, we
are committed to continue work on making this possible. If you have
questions or need additional help, please use
this link to
contact us
.
This page has been optimized for printing. Feel free to print this to distribut to students!
RM1.
Reflection Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes provided graphic with incident and reflected rays for several paths (at least two); rays are clearly labeled or color-coded to indicate which reflected ray corresponds to which incident ray.
_____
Conclusion provides a clear statement of how light reflects; written in own words; general enough to be applied to any angle of incidence.
_____
Discussion of Results explains how the data logically support the conclusion. Specific results are referenced in the discussion. Reasons are given for why any results inconsistent with the conclusion can be ignored.
RM2.
Rough versus Smooth Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes a wealth of observations pertaining to reflection of light off a mirror, dry paper and wet paper (diagrams would be useful); observations are labeled to distinguish between the surfaces observed; observations are clear, pertinent and understandable.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion describes the differences in reflection off the three types of surfaces. An accurate, reasonable and thorough explanation of the differences is provided.
RM3.
Plane Mirror Image Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes clear communication of how light from a single point reflects off mirror AND extension lines to show that the image location is where reflected rays seem to come from AND clearly-stated measurements of image and object distance. Class data for object and image distances are recorded and labeled. Object and image locations are labeled; arrowheads are placed on all rays. Results are reasonably accurate.
_____
Conclusion states the relationship between the object and image distance.
_____
Discussion of Results discusses the experimental evidence which supports the conclusion. It includes an error analysis in which the results are evaluated for accuracy. A percent difference calculation is shown as a part of the error analysis; calculation is accurate; work is shown.
RM4.
What Portion ...? Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes the provided diagrams; both diagrams accurately show light paths from the feet and the head to the eye; arrowheads are included on the rays. Relevant measurements are included on the diagram. Class data is included and labeled.
_____
Conclusion states the relationship between the person’s height and the amount of mirror needed to view his/her image.
_____
Discussion of Results uses the experimental evidence and logic to support the conclusion which is drawn. Reasoning is thorough and accurate. Accuracy of individual results are evaluated; some form of percent error or percent difference calculation is used in the evaluation.
RM5.
Right Angle Mirror Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section included provided diagram with two sets of incident and double-reflected rays originating from the object location (including arrowheads). Each of the second reflected rays are extended backwards to identify the secondary image location. Measurements were included for individual results. Ray construction and image location are accurate.
_____
Conclusion describes the location of the secondary image relative to the object and mirrors; a general rule which could be used to locate it is clearly stated.
_____
Discussion of Results describes how the general rule stated in the Conclusion is consistent with the experimental evidence. Individual results were evaluated; possible causes of error were suggested (where appropriate).
RM6.
Infinity Derivation
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes diagram with two parallel mirrors, object and the several images to the left and to the right of the mirrors. Image distances are stated. The process used to determine the equation is documented and logical. A clear effort to derive an equation is documented; unsuccessful attempts may be shown and ruled ineffective. Logic and reasoning are evident; the final equation(s) is(are) consistent with distances stated in the diagram. Equation(s) is/are accurate and works; process of finding it is thoroughly documented.
_____
Conclusion states the equation or equations which relate(s) the distance between the nth image and the rightmost mirror in terms of pertinent variables; definition of variables is clearly stated.
_____
Discussion of Results shows how the equation can predict the first five image distances to the right of the right-most mirror. Work is shown and labeled.
RM7.
Improving Your Image Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes a table of θ - N data; column headings and angle units are stated. Includes a graph of N vs. θ; axes are labeled. Logical progression from data to conclusion is documented; the progression may involve linear regression analysis, power regression analysis, or a trial-and-error process of equation-writing. The process of linking the data to the equation is documented and explained; cross-outs of and scribbles on top of wrong paths and failed attempts are wholly scientific.
_____
Conclusion states the equation which relates the number of images (N) to the angle between the mirrors (θ).
RM8.
Exploring Curved Mirrors Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section included observations of how the image appeared for various object locations for both types of mirrors. Observations are organized, accurate, clear and thorough.
_____
Conclusion uses sentences to describe the changes in the relative size and orientation of the image as an object moves from very close to a concave mirror to a more distant location. Description is accurate.
RM9.
Finding Smiley Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes a table of data; columns are labeled; units are stated. A plot of image distance vs. object distance is included; axes are labeled; best fit line is drawn. Strategic locations on the graph are labeled (for example, the m=1 line, the two asymptotes, etc,). Locations are used in the Discussion section.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion section describes the relationship between the two quantities. Seemingly hidden information is extracted from the graph and described clearly and accurately. Writing is clear and organized. All conclusions are supported by constructions made on the graph in the Data section; the logical connections between data and conclusions are explained.
RM10.
Magnification Ratio Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section included a complete table with the measured data for determining the magnification and the focal length (dobject and dimage). At least one focal length calculation is shown. The table is organized, clear, and includes the stated unit. Data appears accurate. Calculations are organized and accurate. Demonstrated a clear understanding of how to investigate the question.
_____
Conclusion states the object distances (expressed in terms of f) required for each of the three magnification values. The average focal length is stated.
_____
Discussion of Results section describes how the focal length was determined; an error analysis is performed (perhaps even a percent error for each trial using the average f value as the theoretical value). The manner in which the object distances - expressed as a multiple of focal length - was determined is discussed. Provided the logical link between experimental data and conclusion statements.
RM11.
Mirror Equation Derivation
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section included provided and completed graphic; two sets of similar triangles are identified, labeled and subsequently used in a derivation. Derivation is annotated and briefly explained. Algebraic steps are shown in systematic manner leading up to the final equation relating object distance, image distance and focal length.
_____
Conclusion states the equation relating the object distance, image distance and focal length.