Translations

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Credits

Fu-Kwun Hwang; Fremont Teng; lookang

Briefing Document: Curve Mirror Simulator JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

1. Overview

This document summarizes the "Curve Mirror Simulator JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5," an interactive resource provided by Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore. It's a JavaScript-based simulation designed to help students understand the behavior of light with curved mirrors. The simulation allows users to manipulate various parameters and observe the resulting image formation.

2. Main Themes and Key Features

• Interactive Simulation: The core of the resource is an embeddable, interactive simulation that visually demonstrates the principles of curved mirrors. This is explicitly stated by the embed code provided: <iframe width="100%" height="100%" src="https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/04waves_13light/ejss_model_tigerNmirror/tigerNmirror_Simulation.xhtml " frameborder="0"></iframe>
• Curvature Adjustment: A primary feature is the ability to adjust the curvature of the mirror using a slider control. The documentation states: "This can be done by adjusting the slider 1/f. (Default) (Adjusting to the left will curve the mirror towards the object) (Adjusting to the right curves the mirror away from the object)." The effect of this adjustment on the image is immediately visible, reinforcing the relationship between curvature and image formation.
• Object Manipulation: Users can drag the object being reflected to different positions, allowing them to explore how object distance affects the image. "This can be done by dragging the object (on the left) anywhere on the left. (examples of the possible dragged locations)"
• Resizable Mirror: The simulator allows users to change the size and orientation of the mirror. "This can be done by dragging the red boxes across the axis. Dragging to the left makes the mirror smaller. Dragging to the right makes it bigger You can also flip the position of the mirror such that it curves on the otherside as well."
• Image Visibility Toggle: The simulation includes an "Image Check Box" to toggle the visibility of the image, enabling students to focus on the ray tracing or object position without the visual clutter of the image itself. "Toggling the checkbox will toggle the visibility of the image (Toggling on) (Toggling off)"
• Reset Function: The simulator includes a reset button. "Reset Button: Resets the Simulation"
• Full Screen Toggle: The simulator includes a full screen toggle. "Double click anywhere in the panel to toggle Full Screen"

3. Intended Audience & Learning Goals

• Teachers: The page explicitly includes a section "For Teachers," suggesting the resource is intended for use in classroom settings.
• Students: The simulation is clearly designed to help students visualize and understand the concepts related to curved mirrors. The "Sample Learning Goals" section (though without specific content provided in the excerpt) indicates a focus on specific learning objectives.

4. Technical Details

• JavaScript/HTML5 Applet: The simulation is built using JavaScript and HTML5, making it accessible on a wide range of devices without requiring special plugins.
• Open Source: It's part of the Open Source Physics project, which means the code is likely available for modification and reuse (subject to the license). The page indicates the use of "EasyJavaScriptSimulations" (EJS)
• Embeddable: The provision of an <iframe> code snippet indicates that the simulation is designed to be easily embedded into other webpages or learning management systems.
• Credits: The simulation credits Fu-Kwun Hwang; Fremont Teng; lookang

5. Related Resources & Context

• The page is part of a larger collection of interactive resources covering various physics topics, as evidenced by the breadcrumbs and the list of other applets available on the site (e.g., "Bus in Garage Relativity Length Lorentz Transformation JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML 5," "Black-body radiation JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5").
• The presence of a "Student Learning Space" tag suggests integration with Singapore's national educational technology platform.
• Licensing: Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License

6. Potential Use Cases

• Classroom Demonstrations: Teachers can use the simulation to visually demonstrate the effects of changing mirror curvature and object position.
• Student Exploration: Students can use the simulation to independently explore the concepts and develop a deeper understanding through experimentation.
• Homework Assignments: Teachers can assign tasks that require students to use the simulation to solve problems or answer questions.
• Virtual Labs: The simulation can serve as a virtual lab activity, allowing students to conduct experiments that might not be feasible in a physical lab setting.

Curve Mirror Simulation Study Guide

I. Key Concepts

• Curved Mirrors: Reflecting surfaces with a curved shape, either convex (bulging outwards) or concave (curving inwards).
• Focal Length (f): The distance between the mirror and the focal point.
• Object Distance: The distance between the object and the mirror.
• Image Distance: The distance between the image and the mirror.
• Real Image: An image formed by the actual intersection of light rays; can be projected onto a screen.
• Virtual Image: An image formed by the apparent intersection of light rays; cannot be projected onto a screen.
• Magnification: The ratio of the image height to the object height.
• Curvature: The degree to which the mirror is curved.
• Simulation: A computer model that imitates a real-world process or system.
• Slider: A graphical control element that allows users to adjust a value by sliding a handle along a track.
• Checkbox: A graphical control element that allows users to toggle a setting on or off.

II. Simulation Applet Functionality

• Adjusting Curvature: The slider labeled "1/f" controls the mirror's curvature. Moving the slider left increases curvature (mirror curves towards the object), while moving it right decreases curvature (mirror curves away from the object).
• Image Visibility: The checkbox toggles the visibility of the image generated by the mirror.
• Object Placement: The object can be dragged and placed at different locations on the left side of the simulation to observe its effect on image formation.
• Mirror Size: The red boxes on the mirror allow the user to change the mirror's size by dragging them.
• Mirror Position: The mirror can be flipped to change the direction of its curvature.
• Full Screen: Double-clicking anywhere in the panel toggles full-screen mode.
• Reset: The reset button resets the simulation to its default settings.

III. Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What does the "1/f" slider control in the curve mirror simulator?
2. How can you make the image produced by the mirror disappear in the simulation?
3. How can you change the position of the object in the simulation?
4. What happens when you drag the red boxes on the mirror?
5. What is the purpose of the reset button in the simulation?
6. What does it mean if the mirror is curved "towards the object"?
7. What does it mean if the mirror is curved "away from the object"?
8. What is a simulation and what is it used for?
9. What is the benefit of being able to toggle the visibility of the image?
10. What is the purpose of the "Full Screen" functionality?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The "1/f" slider controls the curvature of the mirror, affecting the focal length and how the mirror focuses light. Moving the slider left will curve the mirror towards the object, while moving it to the right curves the mirror away.
2. You can make the image disappear by toggling the "Image Check Box" off, which controls the visibility of the image generated by the mirror.
3. You can change the position of the object by dragging it anywhere on the left side of the simulation panel.
4. Dragging the red boxes on the mirror allows you to resize the mirror, making it smaller when dragging to the left and bigger when dragging to the right.
5. The reset button resets the simulation to its default settings, undoing any changes made to the curvature, object position, or mirror size.
6. It means the mirror is concave, curving inwards towards the object and potentially focusing light rays to create a real image.
7. It means the mirror is convex, bulging outwards away from the object and typically diverging light rays to create a virtual image.
8. A simulation is a computer model that imitates a real-world process or system, allowing users to explore and understand complex phenomena through interactive manipulation.
9. Toggling the visibility of the image allows users to compare the image location, size, and type based on the object's location and the mirror's curvature, thus enhancing their understanding of image formation.
10. The "Full Screen" functionality allows the user to expand the simulation to fill the entire screen, providing a larger and more immersive viewing experience, particularly beneficial for detailed observation and interaction.

IV. Essay Questions

1. Discuss how varying the curvature of the mirror affects the image formed. How does this relate to the concepts of focal length and image distance?
2. Explain the advantages of using a simulation like the Curve Mirror Simulator in an educational setting compared to traditional methods of teaching about curved mirrors.
3. Describe how manipulating the object position impacts the characteristics of the image produced. In your answer, be sure to discuss the changes of image distance and magnification.
4. Using specific examples from the simulation, explain the difference between real and virtual images, and under what conditions each type of image is formed.
5. How could this simulation be used in conjunction with real-world experiments involving curved mirrors to enhance a student's understanding of optics?

V. Glossary of Key Terms

• Concave Mirror: A mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward.
• Convex Mirror: A mirror with a reflecting surface that curves outward.
• Focal Point: The point at which parallel rays of light converge after reflection from a concave mirror or appear to diverge from after reflection from a convex mirror.
• Image: A visual representation of an object formed by a mirror.
• Object: The item being reflected in the mirror.
• Refraction: The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. (Not explicitly addressed in the source, but helpful for general context.)
• Reflection: The bouncing back of light from a surface.
• Optics: The branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light. (Not explicitly addressed in the source, but helpful for general context.)

Sample Learning Goals

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For Teachers

Curve Mirror Simulator JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

Instructions on how to use Simulation Applet

Adjusting the Curvature of the Mirror

 

 

Image Check Box

 

Dragging the Object

 

Resizeable Mirror

 

 

Toggling Full Screen

Reset Button

Research

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Video

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 Version:

Other Resources

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FAQ: Curve Mirror Simulator

• What is the Curve Mirror Simulator?
• The Curve Mirror Simulator is a JavaScript-based interactive tool designed to help users visualize and understand the properties of curved mirrors and how they form images. It is part of the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics project at Singapore.
• How do I adjust the curvature of the mirror in the simulation?
• You can adjust the curvature of the mirror using the slider labeled "1/f". Moving the slider to the left curves the mirror towards the object, while moving it to the right curves the mirror away from the object. The image's size and position will change accordingly.
• How can I show or hide the image in the simulation?
• There is an "Image Check Box" that allows you to toggle the visibility of the image. Toggling the checkbox on will display the image, while toggling it off will hide it.
• Can I change the object's position?
• Yes, you can drag the object (represented by the triangle on the left) to different positions on the left side of the mirror. The image will update based on the object's location.
• Is it possible to resize the mirror in the simulation?
• Yes, the mirror's size is resizable. You can drag the red boxes located along the mirror's axis to make it smaller or larger. Dragging to the left makes the mirror smaller, while dragging to the right makes it bigger.
• Can I flip the mirror's orientation?
• Yes, you can flip the position of the mirror so that it curves on the other side. This allows you to explore different mirror configurations.
• Is there a full-screen mode for the simulation?
• Yes, you can toggle full-screen mode by double-clicking anywhere within the simulation panel. Double-clicking again will return the simulation to its original size.
• How do I reset the simulation to its default settings?
• There is a "Reset" button within the simulation that will restore all parameters to their initial values.