Can a converging lens become a diverging lens in liquid?

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SUMMARY

A converging lens can be transformed into a diverging lens when placed in a liquid with a lower refractive index than the lens material. The focal length of the lens changes based on the refractive indices of both the lens and the surrounding liquid. Specifically, if the magnitude of the new focal length (f2) exceeds that of the original focal length (f1), the lens behaves as a diverging lens. This principle also applies to converging mirrors, where the refractive indices must be considered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lens optics and focal length
  • Knowledge of refractive indices
  • Familiarity with the lens maker's equation
  • Basic principles of light refraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the lens maker's equation for calculating focal lengths
  • Research the effects of different liquids on lens behavior
  • Explore the concept of virtual images in optics
  • Investigate the properties of converging and diverging mirrors
USEFUL FOR

Students of optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the practical applications of lens behavior in different mediums.

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Homework Statement


(a)Can a converging lens be made to diverging if it is placed into a liquid?
(b)What if?What about a converging mirror?


Homework Equations





Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution

The Attempt at a Solution


(a)Let the focal length of the converging lens be f1,and the focal length of the lens be -f2.From the formula
42b3acf0ad19d7b15b4972ee9414eee1.png
,when the magnitude of f2 is larger than f1,the new focal length we get is smaller than 0,so converging lens can be made to be diverging.
Is it correct?
In (b),can we use the formula again?

THANKS!
 
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If you put an object closer than the focal length,it's light rays will be diverges,so you will see a virtual image.
 
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Try out my program,
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/260388836/index.html
 
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Your question is ambiguous haha. Did you mean to say "can a converging lens be made into a diverging lens if it is placed into a liquid?" If so you need to consider the refractive indices of the lens material and the liquid into which it's placed. If you wish to refer to an equation then use the equation that gives focal length in terms of the two refractive indices and the radii of the lens faces. Try googling.
 
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