Properties of the formed images by convex lens and concave lens

The convex lens is a converging lens as it collects the refracted rays, The point of collection of the parallel rays (produced from the sun or any distant object) after being refracted from the convex lens is called the focus of the lens (F).

Convex lens

The distance between the focus of the lens and its optical center is called the focal length of the lens (f), The focal length (f) = ½ × radius of curvature (r).

We notice that the image formed by the convex lens can be received on the screen as it is a real image formed as a result of the collection of the refracted rays.

The piece of paper can be burned by a convex lens because the convex lens can converge and direct the sunlight in a point (focus) which is burned.

Convex lens and concave lens

If we have a thin lens and thick lens, The thin lens has a greater focal length than the thick one because the radius of the thin lens is bigger than that of the thick lens.

The light rays after passing through the convex lens

The incident light ray that is parallel to the principal axis, It exists from the lens (or refracts) passing through the focus.

The incident light ray that passes through the focus, It exists from the lens parallel to the principal axis.

The incident light ray that passes through the optical center of the lens, it passes through the lens without refraction.

Cases of formation of images by the convex lens ( converging lens )

When the position of the object is very far, the position of the image is at the focus, The formed image will be real and very tiny (dot).

When the position of the object is at a distance greater than the double (twice) of the focal length, (after the center of curvature), The position of the image is between the focus and the center of curvature, The formed image will be real, diminished (small) and inverted.

The position of the object is at the center of curvature (C) (at a distance equals the radius of curvature), The position of the image is at the center of curvature, The formed image will be real, inverted, and equal to the object.

When the position of the object is between the focus and the center of curvature (at a distance greater than the focal length but less than the radius of curvature, The position of the image is after the center of curvature, The formed image is real, inverted and magnified.

When the position of the object is at the focus, No image is formed as the image is at infinity where the rays penetrate as parallel.

When the position of the object is before the focus, (at a distance less than the focal length), The position of the image is after the position of the object in the same side (in front of the lens), The formed image will be virtual, erect and magnified.

Concave lens

If the convex lens is replaced by a concave lens, the formed image can not be received on the screen, because the incoming rays diverge after refraction.

When the position of the object is in front of the concave lens, The position of the image is before the object on the same side, The image formed by the concave lens is always virtual, erect, and small.

The concave lens is known as the diverging lens because it diverges the rays after they pass through it, The image formed by the concave lens is a virtual image because it can not be received on a screen.

Lenses use, types, Convex lens, Concave lens, Vision defects, Contact lenses & Cataract

Uses of the concave mirror and the convex mirror in our daily life

The properties of the image formed by a plane mirror

The types and uses of lenses in our life

The uses of lenses to treat the vision defects

What are the spherical mirrors? & Some concepts related to spherical mirrors