Lens Flashcard

Front

What is a diverging lens?

Back

A diverging lens, also known as a concave lens, spreads out light rays that are initially parallel to its principal axis.

Front

What is a converging lens?

Back

A converging lens, also known as a convex lens, brings together light rays that are initially parallel to its principal axis.

Front

What is the primary use of a concave lens?

Back

Concave lenses are commonly used in devices like peep holes and glasses for nearsightedness.

Front

How does a convex lens cause house fires?

Back

A convex lens can concentrate sunlight onto a single point, potentially igniting flammable materials.

Front

What types of images can a convex lens produce?

Back

A convex lens can produce either real or virtual images, which can be upright or inverted, and larger or smaller depending on the object's position.

Front

What is the focal point of a lens?

Back

The focal point is the point where parallel rays of light either converge (in a converging lens) or appear to diverge from (in a diverging lens).

Front

What is the difference between real and virtual images?

Back

Real images can be projected onto a screen and are formed by converging light rays, while virtual images cannot be projected and are formed by diverging light rays.

Front

What is the significance of the focal length in lens optics?

Back

The focal length is the distance from the lens to the focal point and determines the lens's ability to converge or diverge light.

Front

What happens to light rays passing through a concave lens?

Back

Light rays passing through a concave lens diverge, appearing to come from a focal point on the same side as the object.

Front

What is the lens maker's equation?

Back

The lens maker's equation relates the focal length of a lens to the curvature of its surfaces and the refractive index of the material.