This is a Java applet designed to give users a simulated look at the function of a pinhole camera device. Students can change the size and orientation of the pinhole and view the path of light rays from five points on a source. Though simple, this resource clearly demonstrates why an image through a pinhole will be inverted at the screen or focal plane. Users who register on this web site may also download additional resource files and tips for using this simulation in the classroom.
This item is part of a much larger collection of physics simulations by the same author.
Please note that this resource requires
Java Applet Plug-in.
This resource is part of 3 Physics Front Topical Units.
Topic: Nature and Behavior of Light Unit Title: Ray Optics -- Reflection and Refraction of Light
A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. The applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light and the resulting inverted image. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.
Topic: Nature and Behavior of Light Unit Title: Microscopy and Optical Devices
A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. The applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light and the resulting inverted image. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.
Topic: Nature and Behavior of Light Unit Title: Microscopy and Optical Devices
Java Simulation Grades 6-12 A very simple yet enlightening simulation for exploring the function of a pinhole camera. Appropriate for middle school, the applet draws lines from five points on a source through the pinhole. Students can see the path of each ray of light to help them understand why the image will be inverted at the back of the camera box. We suggest letting students play with this applet AFTER they have completed one of the labs above on pinhole cameras.
Hwang, F. (2004, January 29). NTNU Java: The World Through a Hole. Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=38.0
Hwang, Fu-Kwun. NTNU Java: The World Through a Hole. January 29, 2004. https://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=38.0 (accessed 5 April 2025).
@misc{
Author = "Fu-Kwun Hwang",
Title = {NTNU Java: The World Through a Hole},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {5 April 2025},
Month = {January 29, 2004},
Year = {2001}
}
%A Fu-Kwun Hwang %T NTNU Java: The World Through a Hole %D January 29, 2004 %U https://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=38.0 %O application/java
%0 Electronic Source %A Hwang, Fu-Kwun %D January 29, 2004 %T NTNU Java: The World Through a Hole %V 2025 %N 5 April 2025 %8 January 29, 2004 %9 application/java %U https://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=38.0
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