Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The thin lens equation is a mathematical formula that relates the distance of an object from a lens, the distance of an image from the lens, and the focal length of the lens.
Related terms
Focal length: The focal length is the distance between the center of a lens or mirror and its focal point.
Object distance: The object distance is the distance between an object and a lens or mirror.
Image distance: The image distance is the distance between an image formed by a lens or mirror and the lens or mirror itself.