Converging lenses
I can use a converging lens to form an image on a screen, and describe how the image can vary depending on the object distance.
Converging lenses
I can use a converging lens to form an image on a screen, and describe how the image can vary depending on the object distance.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Converging lenses can produce an inverted image on a screen by refracting light.
- Rays parallel to the principal axis are refracted to the principal focus of a converging lens (at the focal length).
- The image distance and size (magnification) depend on the power of the lens and the object distance.
- As the object distance decreases, the image distance and size both increase, until the object reaches the focal length.
- If the object is too close to the lens, the rays leaving the lens are parallel/diverging, images can't form on a screen.
Common misconception
Pupils often think there is only one ray of light for each point of light on the image.
Many rays of light pass through the lens from each point on the object, but all the rays from a single point arrive at a single point at the image distance. The rays from each point on the object arrive at corresponding points at the same distance.
Keywords
Diminished - Diminished means smaller than an object’s real size. It is the opposite of magnified.
Converging - Light rays are converging if they are coming together to a point where they will meet.
Principal focus - Rays of light incident on a converging lens parallel to the principal axis are focused to a point called the principal focus.
Focal length - The focal length is the distance from the centre of the lens to the principal focus.
Lens power - The greater the power of a lens, the greater the angles through which light is refracted and the shorter the focal length.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Image located between f and 2f, and is diminished.
Image located at 2f, and is life–size.
Image located further away than 2f, and is magnified.
No image forms as rays leaving the lens are parallel.
No image forms as rays leaving the lens are diverging.
