LESSON 4

UNDERSTANDING
LENSES
Introduction

A lens is a transparent material which

consists of at least one curved
surface.
Images formed by lenses due to the
phenomenon of refraction of light.
Rays of light travelling through the
optical centre pass through the lens in
a straight line.
Rays of light from objects at infinity Optical centre , P : A point
( distant objects) are parallel rays. which all rays
traveling
Types of lenses through this
point pass
(i) Convex lens @ Converging lens @ through the
Positive lens lens in a
straight line.

Principal axis , AB : A straight

line which
passes through
the optical
centre ,P at a
right angles to
the plane of
(ii) Concave lens @ Diverging lens @ the lens.
Negative lens
Principal focus, F : A point on
the principal (Focal point)
axis to which incident
rays of light
traveling
parallel to the
principal axis ,
converge after
Common terminology of lenses refraction
through a
convex lens.

Or

A point on the
principal

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 axis from
which incident
rays of light
traveling Example 1
parallel to the
principal axis A convex lens of focal length 40 cm.
appear to Determine the power of the lens.
diverge after
refraction Solution
through a
concave lens.

Focal length , f : The

distance
between the Example2
principal
focus ,F and A lens with a power - 5D.
the optical (a) Calculate the focal length of the
centre ,P. lens.
(b) What is the type of the lens?
Object distance , u :
Distance of the Solution
object from the
optical centre,P

Image distance , v : Distance of

the
image from
the optical
centre,P Experiment to estimate the focal
Power of lenses (P) length of a convex lens.

Power of a lens = 1 A convex lens is turned to face a

. distant object.
Focal length The position nof the screen is adjusted
until a sharp inverted image is formed
atau P = 1 @ P = on the screen.
100 The distance of the screen from the
f optical centre of the lens is measured
f( cm) =x
The focal length of the lens = x
The unit of power of a lens is Dioptre Experiment to estimate the power
(D) or m-1 of a convex lens.
Convex lens : the power is taken to
be positive A convex lens is turned to face a
Concave lens : the power is taken to distant object.
be negative The position nof the screen is adjusted
until a sharp inverted image is formed
on the screen.

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The distance of the screen from the
optical centre of the lens is measured (c) f < u < 2f
=x
The focal length of the lens = x
The power of the lens is determined
by using the formula
Power = 1 .
Focal length

To determine the characteristics

of images formed by convex and
concave lens by using ray
diagrams. Characteristics of image :
…………………………………………………
Ray diagrams for Convex lens …………..

(a) u<f …………………………………………………

…………..
(d) u = 2f

Characteristics of image :
…………………………………………………
…………
Characteristics of image :
…………………………………………………
………… …………………………………………………
(b) u = f …………...

…………………………………………………
…………..
(e) u > 2f

Characteristics of image :

…………………………………………………
…………
Characteristics of image :
…………………………………………………
…………

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…………………………………………………
…………

…………………………………………………
………..

(f) u ⇒∞

Ray diagrams for Concave lens

(a) u < f

OR

Characteristics of image :

…………………………………………………
OR …………

Characteristics of image : …………………………………………………

………….
………………………………………………….
................ (b) f<u <2f

…………………………………………………
………….

Conclusion:

Object Characteristics of image

distance
,u Characteristics of image :
u<f
u=f
f <u< …………………………………………………
2f …………
u = 2f ………………………………………………
u > 2f ……………..
u=∞
Conclusion:

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 Object Characteristics of image Image + if the + if the
distance ,u distance, image is image is
u<f v real real ( image
f < u < 2f ( image is is formed on
formed on the right
the right side of the
side of the lens.
lens.

- if the - if the
image is image is
virtual virtual
( image is ( image is
To determine the characteristics formed on formed on
of images formed by convex and the left side the left side
concave lens by using ray Lens of the lens. of the lens.
equations
Focal Always + Always -
length, f
ower of Always + Always -
length, P
Linear Size of image
magnification,m
ImI =1 Image and
object are the
same size
ImI >1 Enlarged image
ImI <1 Diminished
image

Example 3
f = focal length u = object
An object of height 2 cm is placed at
distance
30 cm from a
v = image distance m=
convex lens of focal length 20.0 cm.
linear
What is
magnification (a) the image distance
ho = object height hi = image (b) the linear magnification
height (c) the image height
(d) the characteristics of the image
Sign Conventions
Convex Concave Solution
lens lens
Object Always + Always +
distance Object is Object is
,u always always
placed to placed to
the left of the left of
the lens the lens

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Example 4
An object of height 6 cm is placed at
20 cm from
a concave lens of power 2.5 D.
What is
(a) the image distance
(b) the image height
(c) the linear magnification
(d) the characteristics of the image
Solution
Meaning of real image and virtual
image
A real imge is one which can be cast
on a screen.
A virtual imge is one which cannot be
cast on a screen.
Effect on the image produced
when the upper
portion of a lens is covered by a
card.
The size and position of the image is
the same as before. The brightness of
the image, however , is reduced.
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Experiment to investigate the
realtionship between the object
distance,u and the image
distance, v for a convex lens.
Hypothesis:
The image distance ,v decreases as
the object distance increases.
Aim of the experiment :
To investigate the relationship
between the object distance,u and the
image distance,v.
Variables in the experiment:
Manipulated variable: object
distance,u
Responding variable: image distance,
v
Fixed variable: focal length of the lens,
f
List of apparatus and materials:
Convex lens, lens holder, white
screen, cardboard with a cross-wire in
a triangular cut-out , light bulbs and
ruler
Arrangement of the apparatus:
The procudere of the experiment
which include the method of
controlling the manipulated
variable and the method of
measuring the responding
variable.
The distance between the cardboard
and the convex lens is measured by
using a ruler , u
The screen is moved back and forth
until a sharp image is formed on it.
The distance between the screen and
the lens is measured , v.
The experiment is repeated 5 times
for the other object distances ,u.
Tabulate the data:
 u
v From the equation ,
Analysis the data:
Plot the graph v against u 1 = 1 + 1 and
u=v
f u v

Determination of the focal length

by using graph method.

(i) Graph 1 against 1 or vice

versa
u v
. Conclusion :

(iii) Graph m against v

From the equation ,

1 = 1 + 1
f u v
From the equation ,

1 = 1 + 1 and
m=v
f u v
u

Conclusion :

(ii) Graph u against v or vice

versa Conclusion :

(iv) Graph 1 against u

m
______________________

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 (vi) Graph u against 1
m

From the equation ,

From the equation ,
1 = 1 + 1 and
m=v 1 = 1 + 1 and
f u v m=v
u f u v
u

Conclusion :

Conclusion :

v) Graph v against m

From the equation ,

1 = 1 + 1 and
m=v
f u v
u

Conclusion :

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 Which of the following diagrams is
true?

TUTORI

1 The image produced by a lens is

caused by the

A total internal reflaction of ray

B diffraction of ray
C refraction of ray
D reflection of ray

2 The diagram shows parallel rays of

light is incident to a combination
of plastics with different refractive 4 Which of the following drawing is
index. not correct path of the light rays?

Which of the following diagrams is

correct?

5 Which of the following is true?

A The unit of the power of lens is

3 The diagram shows parallel rays of
light passing through a liquid in
glass container.
[ The refractive index of the liquid
= 1.35 ]
Watt
B The power of a convex lens is
negative
C A lens with a shorter focal
length has a
lower power
D The rays of light passes
through the optical centre of
lens without any refraction
6 Diagram shows light rays passing
through a convex lens .

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 What is the distance P ?

A Image distance
B Object distance
C Focal length
D Optical length

7 The diagram shows the action of a 11 What is the power of a convex lens
magnifying glass. which has a focal length 50 cm ?
Which point is the principal focus
of the lens? A -0.2 D B 0.2 D
C -2.0 D D 2.0 D
E 4.0 D

12 The power of a lens is - 40 D. What

is the type
of the lens and its focal length?

Type of length Focal

8 The diagram shows an image ,I is length
formed by a convex lens. A Concave lens -2.5 x
Where is the position of the 102 m
object? B Concave lens -2.5
x 10-2 m
C Convex lens -2.5 x
102 m
D Convex lens -2.5 x
10-2 m
E Concave lens -4.0 x
10-2 m
9 The diagram shows an image ,I is
formed by a concave lens. 13 A convex lens of focal length ,f.
Where is the position of the The lens produces a enlarged ,
object? virtual and upright image.The
object distance is

A less than f
B between f and 2f
C same as 2f
D more than 2f

14 A light bulb is placed at the

10 Figure shows four light rays A,B,C principal focus of a convex lens.
and D passing through a convex After travelling through the lens
lens. F is the focal point of the the rays of light is
length. Which of the following path
of the light rays is not correct? A parallel
B converge
C diverge

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15 The focal length of a convex lens
is f . Which of the following object
distances , u will produced an
inverted image ?

A u<f B u >f
C f < u < 2f D u > 2f
16 The diagram shows an object
which is placed at u cm from
centre of a convex lens. The focal
length of the lens is 20 cm.
Which of the following
characteristics of the image is not
correct when u is 10 cm ,15 cm ,
35 cm and 45 cm from the lens?
Which of the following is not true?
A The focal length of the lens is
60 cm
B The linear magnification is 1
C The image I is a real image
19 A convex lens of focal length 20.0
cm is turned to face a distant
object. The position of the screen
is adjusted until a sharp inverted
image is formed on the screen.
What is the distance of the screen
from the lens ?
A 15.0 cm B 20.0
cm
C 25.0 cm D 40.0
cm
E 50.0 cm

u / cm Characteristics of 20 The characteristics image is

the produced by a concave lens is
image
A magnified,virtual,upright
A 10 Virtual and bigger B diminished,virtual,upright
B 15 Virtual and bigger C magnified,real,inverted
C 35 Real and smaller D diminished,real,inverted
D 45 Real and smaller
21 An object is placed at 18.0 cm
17 An object is placed 25 cm in front from a convex lens of focal length
of a convex lens and its image is 20.0 cm.
formed at infinity. If the object is What is the the characteristics of
placed 20 cm in front of the lens , image ?
the image is
A virtual, upright and magnified
A inverted B real, inverted and magnified
B smaller than object C virtual ,upright and diminished
C formed on the same side as D real, inverted and diminished
the object
22 A lens is placed between a light
18 The diagram shows an object ,O is bulb and a secreen. The distance
placed in front of a convex lens between the light bulb and screen
produced an image , I. is 60.0 cm. The position of the lens
is adjusted until the size of the

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 image is same as the size of the as the object
object. D 26.7 cm the other
What is the type and the focal side of the
lenghth of the lens? lens as the
object
Type of lens Focal
length
A Convex lens 30 25 The diagram shows an image I of
cm an object O is formed by a convex
B Convex lens 15 lens.
cm
C Concave lens 30
cm
D Concave lens
15 cm

23 An object is placed at a distance What is the linear magnification of

10 cm in front of a convex lens of the image?
power 5D.
What is the image distance and A 0.5 B 1.0
the characteristic of the image? C 3.0 D 4.0
E 5.0
Image distance
Characteristic of the image 26 An object is placed at a distance30
A 10.0 cm Virtual cm from a convex lens with a focal
image length of 25.0 cm.
B 10.0 cm Real image What is the linear magnification ?
C 20.0 cm Virtual
image A 2 B 3
D 20.0 cm Real image C 4 D 5
E 6
24 An object is placed at a distance
80 cm in front of a concave lens of 27 A convex lens with a focal length
focal length 20 cm. of 20.0 cm to form an image which
What is the image distance and is 2 times the size of the object.
the characteristic of the image? What is the object distance ?
Image distance
Characteristic of A 10.0 cm B 15.0
the cm
image C 30.0 cm D 40.0
cm
A 16.0 cm same side E 60.0 cm
of the lens
as the object 28 An object of height 5 cm is placed
B 16.0 cm the other at 15 cm from a convex lens of
side of the focal length 10.0 cm.
lens as the What is the image height ?
object
C 26.7 cm same side A 5 cm B 10 cm
of the lens C 15 cm D 20 cm

44
 E 25 cm

29 An object of height 6.0 cm is

placed at 8 cm from a convex
lens of power 50 D.
What is the image height?
A 2 cm B 4 cm
C 5 cm D 6 cm
E 8 cm What is the focal length of the
lens?
30 A convex lens is used to produce a
real, magnified and inverted A 14.0 cm B 15.0
image. What is the effect on the cm
image produced when the upper C 16.0 cm D 17.0
portion of the lens is covered by a cm
coin ? E 18.0 cm

A The upright image is formed

B The size of the image is
reduced
C The brightness of the image is
reduced

31 The diagram shows a graph of

object distance,u against image
distance ,v of the lens.

33 The Figure shows an image of

letters FIZI when viewed through a
glass of water.

What is the focal length of the

lens?

A 5 cm B 10 cm
C 20 cm D 40 cm
E 80 cm

32 The diagram shows a graph of

image distance,v against linear
magnification ,m of the lens. (a) State the light phenomenom
that causes the image FIZI to
be enlarged.

………………………………………
…………

45
 (b) What is the change size of the
image if the water is replaced
with a transparent liquid of a
greater density?

………………………………………
…………

………………………………………
…………
(c) The glass of water is replaced
with a lens M with focal length
of 10 cm. The distance 34 The figure shows parallel light rays
between the book cover and are incident onto a convex lens .
the centre of the lens is 8 cm. The light rays converge after
It is observed that the image passing through the lens.
FIZIK is enlarged.
(i) Name the type of lens M.

…………………………………………………
…..
(ii) Calculate the distance of (a) What is the position of the
the image from lens M. object?

.................................................
...................
(b) State the characteristics of the
image.

.................................................
...................
(c) Determine the power of the
lens.

(iii) In the space below sketch

a ray diagram to show (d) An object 4 cm in height
how the image is formed. places at a distance 15 cm
from the lens. Calculate
(i) the image distance

(ii) the image height

46
 (iii) the characteristics of the
image (c) The object height is 2.5
cm,calculate the image height.
...........................................
................ (d) What will happen to the
characteristis of the image
........................................... when
............... (i) the convex lens is replaced
(e) When a light bulb is placed in by a concave lens of focal
front of the convex lens , length 15.0 cm.
parallel light rays is produced
after passing through the lens. ...........................................
What is the position of the .................
light bulb?
...........................................
................................................. .................
................... (ii) the object is placed at the
35 The diagram shows an object is ”10 cm ” mark.
placed in front of a convex of
focal length 15.0 cm. ...........................................
.................

...........................................
.................
36 When an object is placed 40 cm
from a convex lens ,the image
formed is of the same size as the
object.

(a) Determine,
(i) the focal length of the lens

(a) (i) Complete the ray diagram

in the
diagram above to show (ii) the power of the lens
the formation of the final
image.

(ii) State the (b) If the object is now placed in

characteristics of the image. front of the lens, an image
which is 4 times the size of the
........................................... object is formed.
.................
(b) Determine the linear (i) Calculate the object
magnification. distance.

47
 (ii) State the (a) State one suitable inference
characteristics of the image. that can be made.
(b) State one appropriate
........................................... hypothesis for an
................. investigation.
(c) State the light phenomenom (c) With the use of apparatus such
that causes the image is as convex lens , screen, and
formed by the lens? other apparatus , describe an
experimental framework to
................................................. test your hypothesis.
.................. In your description , state
(d) What is the effect on the clearly the following:
image produced when the (i) Aim of the experiment
lower portion of the lens is (ii) Variables in the
covered by a card? experiment
(iii) List of apparatus and
................................................. materials
.................. (iv) Arrangement of the
apparatus
(v) The procedure of the
experiment
which include the method
of
controlling the
manipulated variable
37 The figure shows two different and the method of
situations for two long –sighted measuring the
men X and Y . To correct the long- responding variable.
sighted ,a concave lens is used. . (vi) Way you would
tabulate the data
(vii)Way you would analysis
the data

Observe the thickness of each lens

and focusing of each images to
correct the long-sighted.
Based on the observations:

48