Convex Lens and Light Refraction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of light as it passes through a convex lens, specifically addressing whether light rays that enter straight will exit straight or be refracted to a point, and how light that is already bent behaves when passing through the lens.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that light entering the center of a convex lens will pass straight through without bending.
  • Others suggest that if light rays are beyond the focal point of the lens, they will bend toward the center, while if they are closer than the focus, a virtual image may be formed.
  • A participant clarifies that the question pertains to whether straight light rays will be refracted to a point or exit straight, and how already bent light behaves upon passing through the lens.
  • Another participant reiterates that the outcome depends on the positioning of the light relative to the lens.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the behavior of light through a convex lens depends on the positioning of the light rays, but multiple competing views remain regarding the specifics of refraction and image formation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific constraints on the setup of the light source and the lens, which may affect the conclusions drawn about light behavior.

pmmiller14
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Hi all,

if light was to go straight through a convex lens would it come out straight or inverted to a point? also if light was to go through the same lens but goes through going inwards how would the light be refracted?
 
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I think we need a bit more information, first. So, if a ray of light enters the very center of a lens, it will pass straight through, unbent. If the source point is beyond the focal point of the lens, the light rays will tend to bend toward the center of the lens, and if it the source point is closer than the focus, you'll get what's called a "virtual image," wherein it appears that the source is between the lens and the viewer (think magnifying glass).

To get any more specific, I think you'll need to constrain the setup a bit more. Take a look at the Wikipedia page on lenses and see if we can work forward from that.
 
apologies on the description. what it was meant to say is that if rays of light are straight before they go through a convex lens would it come out straight or will the light be refracted and bent to make a point? the other one is if the light was already bent to create a point would it come out straight or the same?
 
Right, it still depends on the positioning of the light. Check out the Wikipedia page on lenses, all the diagrams you're looking for can be found there.
 
ok thank you for your help :)
 

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