A projector is an optical instrument that shows on screen, enlarged pictures of slides or movies. Do you know how does this instrument work?
The projector in its simplest form consists of (i) a light source (ii) a concave reflector that focuses light (iii) a condenser lens and (iv) a projector lens. A powerful light source is needed to project images on to a screen. Most projectors use an incandescent ribbon lamp of 1000 watts. A highly polished concave reflector is placed at the back of the light source so that practically, the entire light is reflected towards the slide. The light so reflected is allowed to fall on a condenser or focusing lens. This lens is a combination of two planoconvex lenses, placed in such a position that their convex surfaces face each other. The condenser lens converge the divergent beam of the light, and throws it on the slide. The condenser lens helps to strongly illuminate the image. The concentrated rays then pass through the photographic slide or film that is placed upside down in a frame. The final or projector lens is a convex lens and is kept near the slide. It reverses and enlarges the picture of the slide and throws it on to the white opaque screen. The slide shown is systematically removed by the touch of a button and replaced by a new one. Slide projectors are also used by teachers and business people to illustrate subjects under discussion.
Movie projectors have electrically powered reels that move the film between the bulb and projecting lens at a speed of 32 films per second, so that images appear continuous to the eyes. Sprockets in the projector pull the film into the film gate. The film then stops for a moment and light from the lamp passes through the frame. The lens projects the picture on the screen. The sprockets then turn and advance the film. As the film moves, the blade of a rotating shutter passes between the lamp and the film so that the movement of the film does not show on the screen.
In sound film, light from the lamp passes through the sound track and strikes a light sensitive cell which produces an electric signal. It goes to an amplifier and loud speaker which provide the sound. In some cases, the sound is recorded on a magnetic strip along the film as in a video recording.