Why Is an Image at Infinity Called Highly Magnified?

In summary, when an object is placed at the focal point of a convex lens, the image formed is referred to as a highly magnified image. This is due to the fact that the rays passing through the lens become parallel and form an image at infinity. However, if the object is not exactly at the focal point, the magnification is large but not infinite.
  • #1
skqureshi
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When an object is placed at the focal point of a convex lens, the image is formed at infinity, yet it is called a highly magnified image. The fact being that after passing through the convex lens the rays run parallel or rather as a beam.

My question is that if the image is formed at infinity why is it not referred to as an infinitely magnified image. But still if we insist in calling the image as highly magnified, then what should be the magnitude of magnification?
 
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If the object is at the focal point, the magnification is infinite. Not sure why you have been told otherwise.

If the magnification is large, but not infinite, that means the object was near, but not at, the focal point.
 

1. What is a convex lens?

A convex lens is a type of lens that is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. It is curved on both sides and can bend light rays to converge at a point, forming an image.

2. How is an image formed by a convex lens?

An image is formed by a convex lens when light rays pass through the lens and converge at a point on the opposite side. This point is known as the focal point.

3. What is the difference between a real and virtual image formed by a convex lens?

A real image is formed when light rays actually converge at a point, and it can be projected onto a screen. A virtual image, on the other hand, is formed when light rays appear to converge at a point, but they do not actually meet. It cannot be projected onto a screen.

4. How does the distance between the object and the lens affect the image formed by a convex lens?

The distance between the object and the lens, also known as the object distance, affects the size and location of the image formed by the convex lens. As the object distance increases, the image distance also increases, and the image becomes smaller.

5. Can a convex lens form both magnified and diminished images?

Yes, a convex lens can form both magnified and diminished images depending on the object distance. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, a magnified image is formed. If the object is placed between the focal point and the lens, a diminished image is formed.

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