Can a converging lens become a diverging lens in liquid?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a converging lens when placed in a liquid, specifically whether it can act as a diverging lens under certain conditions. The original poster also raises a question about converging mirrors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the focal lengths of the lens and the liquid, questioning the conditions under which a converging lens might behave as a diverging lens. There is also a discussion about the implications of object placement relative to the focal length.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the refractive indices and suggesting the use of specific equations related to lens behavior. There is no clear consensus yet, as different interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the original question and emphasize the importance of considering the refractive indices of both the lens material and the surrounding liquid.

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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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