wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
2
You visited us 2 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Can a lens act both as a converging and diverging lens ? If so please explain the thing.

Open in App
Solution

Yes, certainly it is possible.

The focal length of a lens is given by the lens maker’s formula:

1/f=(n2/n1−1)(1/R1−1/R2)

Here, n2n1n2n1 is the refractive index of medium 2 (lens) with respect to medium 1 (the medium in which it is placed).

If the lens is placed in a medium optically rarer than itself, this value is greater than 1 and the focal length is positive (acts as a converging lens). If the lens is placed in a medium optically denser than its own medium, focal length becomes negative and it acts as a diverging lens.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Image formation by Convex Lens
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon