मराठी

Concept of Lenses

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Topics

  • Lens and its Types
  • Cross-Sections of Convex and Concave Lenses

Lens and its Types:

A lens is a transparent medium bounded by two surfaces that refracts light. Lenses are widely used in spectacles, telescopes, cameras, and magnifying devices. They help in focusing, magnifying, or dispersing light rays to form clear images.

  • Convex Lens (Converging Lens) → Thicker at the center, bends light inward, forming a real or virtual image.
  • Concave Lens (Diverging Lens) → Thinner at the centre, it bends light outward, always forming a virtual image.
Lens Type Description Image Formation Uses
Biconvex Both surfaces are convex, thicker at the center Forms real or virtual images Magnifying glasses, cameras, telescopes
Plano-Convex One surface is flat; the other is convex Converges light to a focal point Laser systems, projectors
Positive Meniscus Curved outward but thinner at the edges Reduces spherical aberration High-quality camera lenses
Biconcave Both surfaces are concave, thinner at the center Forms only virtual images Used in eyeglasses for myopia (nearsightedness)
Plano-Concave One surface is flat; the other is concave Diverges light rays Beam expanders, optical instruments
Negative Meniscus Curved inward but thicker at the edges Minimizes distortion Specialized optical systems

Types of lenses

Cross-Sections of Convex and Concave Lenses

1. Convex Lens (Diagram a)

A convex lens is formed by two spherical surfaces bulging outward.

  • The surfaces S₁ and S₂ represent parts of two spheres.
  • C₁ and C₂ are the centres of curvature of these spheres.
  • The surface labelled 1 is part of sphere S₁, and surface 2 is part of sphere S₂.
  • The lens is thicker at the centre and thinner at the edges.
  • It converges light rays, making it useful in magnifying glasses, cameras, and telescopes.

2. Concave Lens (Diagram b)

A concave lens is formed by two spherical surfaces curving inward.

  • The surfaces S₁ and S₂ represent sections of two spheres.
  • C₁ and C₂ are the centres of curvature of these spheres.
  • The surface labelled 1 is part of sphere S₁, and its surface 2 is part of sphere S₂.
  • The lens is thinner at the centre and thicker at the edges.
  • It diverges light rays, making it useful for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) and in laser applications.

 Cross-sections of convex and concave lenses

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