Can Ice Act as a Converging Lens to Start a Fire?

[tangur]

Converging lens made of ice

Would it be possible to start a fire by shaping a piece of ice ? That's the question.

I'm thinking that yes it would be possible if you shaped the ice in the form of a converging lens. Even though the lens is made of ice, the sun rays would not burn through it since the rays would converge on a point behind the lens and not in the lens itself.

I just want to know if my reasoning holds correct. Thanks

 

[Tide]

The ability of a lens to focus light is basic optics. There's no reason why it wouldn't be possible with an ice lens.

 

[Graeme Robinson]

for your input!

Your reasoning is correct. The converging lens made of ice would refract the sunlight, focusing it on a point behind the lens. This would create a concentrated beam of light, which could potentially start a fire if directed onto a flammable material. However, the effectiveness of the lens may be affected by the clarity and quality of the ice, as well as the intensity of the sunlight. So while it is possible to start a fire with a converging lens made of ice, it may not be as reliable as using a traditional lens made of glass.