Lenses

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Focal Point

The focal point of a lens is the point to which a beam of parallel light, parellel to the principal axis, converges.

Converging Lens

A converging lens refracts incoming parellel light rays so the light converges to a single point, called the Focal Point. A converging lens is thicker in the middle.

Diverging Lens

A diverging lens refracts incoming parellel light rays so the light diverges. A diverging lens is thiner in the middle

Real Image

A real image is an image formed by light rays that converge at the location of the image. A real image, unlike a virtual image, can be displayed on a screen.


Virtual Image

A virtual image is an image formed by light rays that do not converge at the location of the image.


A useul link to help explain real and virtual images: http://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/2000spring/PHY232/lectures/lenses/images.html

Upright Image

Inverted Image

Converging Lens Simulation