Physics (Optics)

Flashcards on Geometric Optics

Converging Lens

Thicker across the middle and thinner at its edges. Serves to converge light.

Diverging Lens

Thinner across the middle and thicker at its edges. Serves to diverge light.

Converging (Convex) Lens

Converges rays of light that are traveling parallel to the principal axis. Thick across the middle and thin at the upper and lower edges.

Diverging (Concave) Lens

Diverges rays of light that are traveling parallel to the principal axis. Thin across the middle and thick at the upper and lower edges.

Lens Equation

The equation relating the object distance (do), the image distance (di), and the focal length (f): 1/f = 1/do + 1/di

Lateral Magnification

The ratio of image height to object height in any image-forming situation: m = hi/ho = -di/do

Lensmaker’s Equation