Contextualization

Introduction

Optical instruments are devices that use light to enhance or manipulate images, allowing us to see details that would not be possible with the naked eye. They take advantage of phenomena such as the refraction and reflection of light, as well as the difference in refractive index in different media. When designing these devices, scientists need to have a deep understanding of geometric and physical optics.

Among the main optical instruments, we have lenses, which are pieces of transparent material, usually glass or plastic, with one or two curved surfaces that refract light. There are also mirrors, which are surfaces that reflect light. A wide variety of optical instruments have been developed over time, including binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, and cameras, which have extremely varied applications.

To properly understand optics and optical instruments, it is crucial to understand some key concepts, such as the difference between light and sound, the principles of refraction and reflection of light, and the fundamentals of how lenses and mirrors work. Each of these concepts requires a detailed and careful study.

Application in the Real World

Optical instruments are not only an important part of theoretical physics, they play an essential role in our daily lives. We use glasses to correct vision, we use cameras to capture moments, and we use microscopes and telescopes to explore the world around us, whether it is very small or very distant.

Optical instruments also have essential applications in different industrial and technological sectors. For example, binoculars and cameras are essential in the entertainment industry, while microscopes are fundamental for medical and biological research. In addition, the field of information technology heavily relies on optical instruments for data transmission through optical fibers.

Activity

Activity Title: "Exploration of Optical Instruments"

Project Objective

Build a functional optical instrument (a simple periscope) and explore, through experiments, the concepts of light reflection and the functioning of optical instruments, particularly flat mirrors.

Detailed Project Description

The work will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students. The challenge is to build a functional periscope using low-cost materials and conduct experiments with it to understand how optical instruments work, focusing on light reflection. The total time for the activities is 5 to 10 hours per student.

Required Materials

1. Two empty and clean milk cartons.
2. Two small mirrors (approximately 10cm x 10cm).
3. Adhesive tape.
4. Pencil.
5. X-Acto knife.
6. Ruler.

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Periscope Construction

1. Cut the two milk cartons into a prism shape so that they can be fitted on top of each other.
2. In each carton, cut a square (with the X-Acto knife) on the top and bottom, so that the mirror can be placed there. Be careful to cut the squares at the correct angle (45 degrees) for light reflection.
3. Attach the mirrors to the cut locations with adhesive tape. Ensure that the mirrors are firm and secure.
4. Fit the two cartons into each other, forming a tube. The top carton will be the one with the mirror facing downwards. Make sure you can see through the periscope before proceeding.

2. Experimentation with the Periscope

1. Conduct a series of experiments to explore how the periscope works. Try to understand how light reflects on the mirrors to produce the image you see.
2. Record the results of your experiments, noting any interesting observations.
3. Discuss as a group how you could improve the periscope. What would you change in its design to make it more effective? Record these ideas for future reference.

Project Deliverables

After completing the practical part, each group will need to present a report. This report should contain the following elements:

1. Introduction: The student must contextualize the theme, discuss the relevance of optical instruments and the principles of light reflection. In addition, the project's objective must be clearly defined.
2. Development: The student must explain the theory behind light reflection and how the periscope works. Detail the activity in steps, explaining the step-by-step construction of the periscope and the experiments conducted. The results obtained should be presented and discussed in light of the theory learned.
3. Conclusions: The student must conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining what was learned about light reflection and the functioning of optical instruments. Comments on the operation of the built periscope and possible improvements should also be included in this section.
4. Bibliography: Here, all sources of information used in the project must be cited, including books, web pages, videos, etc.

The report must follow the ABNT standard for academic papers, including cover page, title page, table of contents, introduction, development, conclusion, and bibliographic references.