Virtual Ray Tracing as a Conceptual Tool for Image Formation in Mirrors and Lenses

The ray tracing method is widely used in teaching geometrical optics at the upper secondary and university levels. However, using simple and straightforward examples may lead to a situation in which students use the model of ray tracing too narrowly. Previous studies show that students seem to use t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Physics teacher 2016-12, Vol.54 (9), p.538-540
Main Authors: Heikkinen, Lasse, Savinainen, Antti, Saarelainen, Markku
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College Science
Computer Simulation
Geometric Concepts
Introductory Courses
Optics
Scientific Concepts
Scientific Principles
Secondary School Science
Teaching Methods
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Summary:The ray tracing method is widely used in teaching geometrical optics at the upper secondary and university levels. However, using simple and straightforward examples may lead to a situation in which students use the model of ray tracing too narrowly. Previous studies show that students seem to use the ray tracing method too concretely instead of as a conceptual model. This suggests that introductory physics students need to understand the nature of the ray model more profoundly. In this paper, we show how a virtual ray tracing model can be used as a tool for image formation in more complex and unconventional cases. We believe that this tool has potential in helping students to better appreciate the nature of the ray model.
ISSN:0031-921X
1943-4928
DOI:10.1119/1.4967893