What is the focal length of the lens? given magnification and distance

In summary, the biology student wants to examine a bug at a magnification of +5.00 by looking through a single lens. The student wants the image of the bug to be 25cm away from the lens, and the focal length of the lens is +6.25cm. Using the equations m=-d(image)/d(object) and 1/f=\frac{1}{d(object)}+\frac{1}{d(image)}, the student calculated the distance of the object and the focal length of the lens, but was unsure about the meaning of a virtual image in the equation.
  • #1
RedLego
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0

Homework Statement


A biology student wishes to examine a bug at a magnificaiton of +5.00 by looking through a single lens. the student wants the image of the bug to be a distance of 25cm from the lens. what is the focal length of the lens?

Answer:+6.25cm

Homework Equations


m=-d(image)/d(object)
1/f=[itex]\frac{1}{d(object)}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{1}{d(image)}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


first i solve for distance of object, d(object), by using the first equation:
d(object) = (25x10-2)/5

then i calculated focal length by using the second equation
f = ((1/0.5) + (1/0.25))-1 = 0.041667

i don't know what I am doing wrong
 
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  • #2
This is a simple magnifying glass using a converging lens.
The image is VIRTUAL...what does this mean about the image distance in the equation?
 

Related to What is the focal length of the lens? given magnification and distance

1. What is focal length?

Focal length refers to the distance between the center of a lens or curved mirror and its focal point. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and is an important factor in determining the size and magnification of an image produced by a lens.

2. How is focal length related to magnification?

The focal length of a lens is directly related to its magnification. A longer focal length will result in a larger magnification, while a shorter focal length will produce a smaller magnification. This means that a lens with a longer focal length will produce a more magnified image than a lens with a shorter focal length when placed at the same distance from an object.

3. How is focal length measured?

Focal length is typically measured by using a lensometer, which is a device that can accurately determine the curvature of a lens. It can also be measured by using specialized software or by physically measuring the distance between the lens and its focal point using a ruler or caliper.

4. What is the relationship between focal length and distance?

The focal length and distance of a lens are inversely related. This means that as the distance between the lens and the object increases, the focal length decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is important in understanding how to adjust a lens in order to achieve the desired magnification and image size.

5. Can the focal length of a lens be changed?

Yes, the focal length of a lens can be changed by adjusting the position of the lens or by using different lenses altogether. In photography, for example, different lenses with varying focal lengths can be used to achieve different magnifications and image sizes. Additionally, some lenses have the ability to physically adjust their focal length, such as zoom lenses.

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