Refraction and Thin Lenses

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to refraction, thin lenses, and their properties to help study for the upcoming exam.

Thin Lens Equation

An equation that relates the object distance (p), image distance (q), and focal length (f) of a lens: 1/p + 1/q = 1/f.

Converging Lens

A lens that brings light rays together or converges them to a point.

Diverging Lens

A lens that spreads light rays apart or diverges them from a point.

Real Images

Images that can be projected onto a screen, formed when light rays physically intersect.

Virtual Images

Images that cannot be projected onto a screen, formed at a point where light rays appear to come from but do not actually converge.

Magnification (M)

The ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object, also related to the object distance and image distance.

Image Distance (q)

The distance from the lens to the image formed by the lens.

Focal Length (f)

The distance from the lens to the focal point, where parallel light rays converge.

Object Distance (p)

The distance from the lens to the object being observed.

Image Characteristics

Attributes of an image such as size, orientation, and type (real or virtual) which are dependent on the lens type and object position.