IB PHYSICS Imaging

Converging Lenses

Thicker in the middle, converge light rays to form real images when rays cross, unless the object is at the focal point or nearer.

Diverging Lenses

Thinner in the middle, diverge light rays, forming virtual images where rays appear to have come from.

Focal Point

Where parallel rays converge or appear to diverge after passing through the lens.

Optical Power

Measured in diopters (D), defined as the inverse of focal length (P = 1/f).

Real Images

Form where rays converge.

Virtual Images

Form where rays appear to diverge.

Magnification

Calculated as the ratio of image height to object height (m = hi/ho = -v/u).

Spherical Aberration

Causes distorted images due to the lens's inability to focus all rays at the same point.

Chromatic Aberration

Results from the lens's inability to bring rays of different colors to the same focus.

Radio Telescopes

Experience less atmospheric interference, enhancing resolution through interferometry techniques.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish separate points, often more critical than magnification.

Reflecting Telescopes

Use converging mirrors as their objectives.

Fiber Optics

Offer advantages over copper, including lower attenuation and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Ultrasound Imaging

Uses wave propagation and reflection to create images of body tissues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Utilizes proton spin resonance in strong magnetic fields to produce three-dimensional images.