Thin Lens & Images: Real, Inverted & Smaller Objects

In summary, a thin lens forms real images by converging light rays from an object at the focal point and beyond, resulting in an inverted image on the opposite side of the lens. Real images are inverted because of refraction, while thin lenses can only produce images that are the same size or smaller than the object. The magnification of a thin lens can be calculated by dividing the image height by the object height, or by dividing the distance between the image and the lens by the distance between the object and the lens. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot. Thin lenses only produce real images, not virtual images.
  • #1
Glen Maverick
14
0

Homework Statement



Under what conditions will a thin converging lens form:
a) a real image,
b) an inverted image,
and c) an image smaller than the object?

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution



I have concluded that:
a) the object needs to be outside the focal length
b) the same
c) the objects needs to be outside twice the focal length.

I am not sure if the answers are right. Can you please check for me? Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Your answers are correct.
 
  • #3
Thank you to both Stanton and rl.bhat. I was looking for this problem. :)
 
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FAQ: Thin Lens & Images: Real, Inverted & Smaller Objects

1. How does a thin lens form real images?

A thin lens forms real images when the object is placed beyond the focal point of the lens. The light rays from the object converge at the focal point and then continue to converge beyond the lens, forming a real image on the opposite side of the lens.

2. Why are real images inverted?

Real images are inverted because the light rays passing through the lens are refracted, or bent, towards the center of the lens. This results in an inverted image being formed on the opposite side of the lens.

3. Can a thin lens produce a larger image than the object?

No, a thin lens can only produce an image that is the same size or smaller than the object. This is because the size of the image is determined by the distance between the object and the lens, as well as the focal length of the lens.

4. How do you calculate the magnification of a thin lens?

The magnification of a thin lens can be calculated by dividing the height of the image by the height of the object. This is also equal to the distance between the image and the lens divided by the distance between the object and the lens.

5. What is the difference between a real image and a virtual image?

A real image is formed by the actual convergence of light rays and can be projected onto a screen. A virtual image, on the other hand, is formed by the apparent divergence of light rays and cannot be projected onto a screen. Thin lenses can only produce real images, not virtual images.

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