Introduction to Convex Lens
A convex lens is a type of lens that is thicker at the center and thinner at the edges. It is also called a converging lens because it converges the rays of light that pass through it to a focal point. These lenses are commonly used in optical devices such as cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. Convex lenses are also used in eyeglasses to correct farsightedness and presbyopia.
What is a Ray Diagram?
A ray diagram is a graphical representation of how light rays travel through an optical system. In a convex lens ray diagram, we draw two principal rays of light that pass through the lens. One ray is drawn parallel to the principal axis of the lens and passes through the focal point on the other side of the lens. The other ray is drawn through the center of the lens and continues in a straight line.
How to Draw Convex Lens Ray Diagram?
To draw a convex lens ray diagram, follow these steps:
- Draw a horizontal line parallel to the principal axis of the lens. This line represents the object that we want to observe.
- Draw a vertical line through the center of the lens. This line represents the principal axis of the lens.
- Draw two rays of light from the object that pass through the lens. The first ray should be drawn parallel to the principal axis and should pass through the focal point on the other side of the lens. The second ray should pass through the center of the lens and continue in a straight line.
- The point where the two rays meet is the location of the image. The image will be inverted and smaller than the object.
Example of Convex Lens Ray Diagram
Suppose we have a convex lens with a focal length of 20 cm. We want to observe an object that is 30 cm away from the lens. To draw the ray diagram, we draw a horizontal line 30 cm from the lens to represent the object. We then draw a vertical line through the center of the lens to represent the principal axis.
Next, we draw two rays of light from the object. The first ray is drawn parallel to the principal axis and passes through the focal point on the other side of the lens. The second ray passes through the center of the lens and continues in a straight line.
The point where the two rays meet is the location of the image. In this case, the image is located 40 cm from the lens and is inverted and smaller than the object.
