Calculating Magnification: Diverging and Converging Lenses Equations Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total magnification of a system comprising a diverging lens with a focal point of -9.5 cm and a converging lens with a focal point of 13.0 cm. The magnification equations used include M = -p/q, 1/p + 1/q = 1/f, and Mtotal = M1 * M2. The participant successfully calculated the magnification for the diverging lens as 11.17647059 but struggled with the converging lens due to the object distance being infinite. The key takeaway is that total magnification can be determined using the formula fo/fe, where fo is the focal length of the converging lens and fe is that of the diverging lens, regardless of object distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lens equations, specifically M = -p/q and 1/p + 1/q = 1/f.
  • Knowledge of focal lengths for converging and diverging lenses.
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnification in optical systems.
  • Basic principles of light behavior through lenses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the lens maker's equation.
  • Learn about the Ray Diagram technique for visualizing lens systems.
  • Explore the concept of infinity in optics and its implications for object distance.
  • Investigate advanced magnification calculations in multi-lens systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding lens systems and magnification calculations in optical devices such as telescopes.

brinstar
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Homework Statement


"Find the magnification of the following system: A diverging lens with focal point -9.5 cm is placed 4.35 cm to the right of a converging lens with its own focal point of 13.0 cm. Parallel light enters the converging lens from the left."

Homework Equations


M = -p/q
1/p + 1/q = 1/f
p of diverging lens = d - q of converging lens
Mtotal = M1 * M2

The Attempt at a Solution


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So I figured out the magnification for the diverging lens and got 11.17647059. I cannot for the life of me figure out the magnification of the converging lens, and this is all because the object distance is infinite. How exactly do I get the total magnification (which is the product of my two magnifications) if the object distance for my converging lens is infinite? That would leave me at 13.0 cm divided by infinity...
 
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Magnification (of the whole telescope together)= fo/fe

fo is the focal length of the objective lens (converging)
fe is the focal length of the eyepiece lens (diverging)

The object distance doesn't matter.
 
DarkMatter5 said:
Magnification (of the whole telescope together)= fo/fe

fo is the focal length of the objective lens (converging)
fe is the focal length of the eyepiece lens (diverging)

The object distance doesn't matter.

Wow! >.< I feel so dumb.

Thanks so much for the reply!

For some reason, though, my teacher never gave me that formula in class. The ones I gave were all I had to work with. I didn't know you could get magnification without object distances and height!
 
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No problem :oldbiggrin:. Now you know! Feel free to message me if you have any more telescope or astro questions.
 
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