A simple nomograph based on a general result from analytical geometry can be used to represent the solution of any problem in which the sum of reciprocals equals another reciprocal — that is, the equation that generates the hyperbolic function. One such relationship is the thin-lens formula often used in introductory physics courses. This discussion will show that the nomograph is necessarily consistent with both the ray diagram for a thin lens and the object-image distance relationship obtained in the typical introductory physics laboratory experiment to determine the focal length of a thin lens. It is also useful to display the focal length of the thin lens on the graph obtained in such an experiment.
REFERENCES
1.
Thomas B.
Greenslade
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, 458
(Nov. 2002
).2.
Ronald
Brown
, “Series and parallel resistors and capacitors
,” Phys. Teach.
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, 483
–485
(Nov. 2003
).
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© 2004 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2004
American Association of Physics Teachers
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