Calculating Focal Length of a Converging Lens Using Incident and Refracted Rays

In summary, we can use the given angles and distances to calculate the focal length of the converging lens using the equation 1/d0 + 1/di = 1/f. By setting the tangent of the angles equal to each other, we can solve for the distances and then use them to find the focal length.
  • #1
NikkiNik
23
0

Homework Statement


The figure illustrates qualitatively a converging lens focusing monochromatic rays from A to B. The vertical and horizontal scales of the figure are not the same. The top ray leaves A at an angle of 2.38 deg above the optic axis and leaves B at an angle of 1.25 deg below the optic axis. The total distance from A to B is 75.3 cm.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2/NikkiNik88/convLens3.gif

Calculate the focal length of the lens for that light.



Homework Equations



1/d0 + 1/di = 1/f



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not even sure where to begin when I'm given the angles. I think 75.3 cm = d0 + di
but I'm not sure where to go from there
 
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  • #2
Hi NikkiNik! :smile:

This is a geometry exercise …

you have two triangles, you know the lengths a+b and h, and you know a/h and b/h. :wink:
 
  • #3
If AOP is the axis of the lens, and AP and BP are the incident and refracted rays, then OP/do = tan 2.38 and BP /di = tan 1.25.
Or do*tan2.38 = di*tan1.25
And do + di is given.
Find do and di and hence focal length of the lens.
 

Related to Calculating Focal Length of a Converging Lens Using Incident and Refracted Rays

What is a converging lens?

A converging lens, also known as a convex lens, is a type of lens that is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. It is designed to bend or converge light rays towards a focal point, creating a magnified and upright image.

How does a converging lens work?

A converging lens works by refracting or bending light rays as they pass through the lens. The curved surface of the lens causes the light rays to converge towards a focal point on the other side, creating an image. This process is governed by the lens equation, which takes into account the distance between the lens and the object, the focal length of the lens, and the distance between the lens and the image.

What is the focal length of a converging lens?

The focal length of a converging lens is the distance between the center of the lens and the focal point. It is a measure of how strongly the lens converges or bends light rays. The focal length is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and can vary depending on the shape and curvature of the lens.

How is the image formed by a converging lens?

The image formed by a converging lens depends on the position of the object in relation to the lens. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, the image will be real, inverted, and magnified. If the object is placed at the focal point, the image will be formed at infinity. And if the object is placed between the lens and the focal point, the image will be virtual, upright, and magnified.

What are some common applications of converging lenses?

Converging lenses have a wide range of applications in various fields such as photography, astronomy, and microscopy. They are used to magnify and focus light in cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. They are also used in corrective lenses for vision correction and in optical instruments for precise measurements and analysis.

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