Scale diagrams for convex lenses
I can describe uses of convex lenses and draw scale ray diagrams to determine the position of an image.
Scale diagrams for convex lenses
I can describe uses of convex lenses and draw scale ray diagrams to determine the position of an image.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In cameras and the human eye, the required image distance < the object distance. The image is diminished and inverted.
- In projectors, the required image distance > the object distance. The image is magnified and inverted.
- A ray incident on a convex lens parallel to the principal axis is refracted to pass through principal focus.
- A ray incident on the centre of a convex lens is not refracted.
- A ray incident on a convex lens from the principal focus is refracted so it becomes parallel to the principal axis.
Common misconception
Covering over half of a lens will block out rays of light from half the object and the image will appear cut in half.
Talk about many rays of light passing through the lens from each point of the object and show pupils that blocking half the lens keeps the same image, only less bright.
Keywords
Object distance - The object distance is the distance between an object and a lens.
Image distance - The image distance is the distance between a lens and an image formed by that lens.
Principal focus - The principal focus is the point to which parallel rays (from distant objects) are focused.
Focal length - The focal length is the distance between the centre of a lens and the principal focus.
Principal axis - The principal axis is a line through the centre of a lens, 90° to the optical axis of the lens.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
focal length
principal focus
principal axis
Exit quiz
6 Questions
parallel to principal axis, then bends to pass through principal focus
passes through centre of lens without being refracted
passes through principal focus, then bends parallel to principal axis