Lenses and mirrors bend light to form images. This section covers how different optical elements create real or virtual images, and how to calculate image properties using equations like the thin lens formula.
Image formation isn't just about creating pictures. It's about understanding how light behaves, allowing us to design everything from eyeglasses to telescopes. We'll explore magnification, orientation, and the differences between real and virtual images.
Image Formation and Characteristics
Principles of image formation
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25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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Top images from around the web for Principles of image formation
25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
25.6 Image Formation by Lenses – College Physics View original
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1 of 2
Light rays refract when passing through lenses or reflect off mirrors change direction based on the medium's refractive index (refraction) or bounce off surfaces at the same angle as the incident ray (reflection)
Converging lenses and concave mirrors focus light rays to form real images can be projected onto a screen
Diverging lenses and convex mirrors spread light rays forming virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen
Applications of lens and mirror equations
Thin lens equation f1=do1+di1 relates focal length of the lens (f), distance from object to lens (do), and distance from lens to image (di)
Mirror equation f1=do1+di1 uses focal length of the mirror (f, positive for concave, negative for convex)
Magnification equation M=−dodi=hohi calculates magnification (M) using image height (hi) and object height (ho)
Real vs virtual images
Real images form when light rays converge can be projected onto a screen appear inverted relative to the object
Virtual images form when light rays diverge cannot be projected onto a screen appear upright relative to the object
Image Magnification and Orientation
Effects on image characteristics
Magnification depends on the ratio of image distance to object distance
Larger image distance results in higher magnification
Smaller object distance results in higher magnification
Converging lenses (convex) and concave mirrors can form both real and virtual images
Real images are inverted can be magnified (enlarged) or diminished (reduced in size)
Virtual images are upright always appear magnified
Diverging lenses (concave) and convex mirrors only form virtual, upright, diminished images