Science Lab Experiment: Pinhole Camera
Demonstration: Upside-Down Image
Object: To determine how an image (picture) can be formed
by using a "camera obscura".
Materials: candle, matches, wax paper, light-proof container
(crispy potato tube), scissors, and tape
Diagram:
Method: The apparatus was prepared as shown in the diagram.
A pinhole was made in one end of the container. Wax paper
was placed over the end of the container and fastened with tape.
The candle was lighted and placed about a foot from the pinhole.
The viewer looked through the wax paper to see the candle flame
at the other end of the pinhole. The lights in the room were off.
Observations: The candle flame appeared upside down on the wax paper.
Conclusions: This is similar to what happens in a camera or even the human eye.
The light passes through the lens opening of the pupil and the image
forms upside-down, as shown in the diagram.