Focal length of the optical system

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the focal length of a convex lens system, particularly when combined with a plane mirror and a liquid medium, such as water. It explains that when an object is placed at the focus of a convex lens, the image is formed at infinity. The focal length can be measured by aligning the object and image at the lens, and the introduction of water alters the system's behavior, acting like a concave lens. The total power of multiple lenses in contact is defined by the formula P = P1 + P2 + P3, leading to the relationship 1/F = 1/f1 + 1/f2 + 1/f3 for calculating the effective focal length of the lens system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of convex lens properties and focal length
  • Knowledge of optical systems and image formation
  • Familiarity with lens power calculations
  • Basic principles of light refraction and reflection
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of lens combinations and their effective focal lengths
  • Learn about the effects of different mediums on light propagation
  • Explore practical experiments involving convex lenses and mirrors
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of lens power and focal length relationships
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, optical engineers, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of lens systems and optical experiments.

Raghav Gupta
Messages
1,010
Reaction score
76
I understand this that when an object is kept at focus of convex lens, then image is formed at infinity.
So when we keep a convex lens above plain mirror and move object needle on the principal axis of convex lens and see a coinciding image with needle on lens and measure distance from lens then it is focal length of convex lens. As the Rays have retraced their path by being normal to plain mirror.

Now, when we pour some drops of water on plain mirror and again keep on top The convex lens, how in this case when the object and image coincides, on measuring the distance from convex lens this is the focal length of the system?
For some images see the link
http://www.seminarsonly.com/Enginee...ctive-Indices-of-Water-And-Turpentine-Oil.php
 
Science news on Phys.org
when you have water in between the convex lens and a plane mirror, the water will act like a concave lens.
now, for a system of lenses, for example, if you place 3 convex lenses in contact, with each lens having focal lengthe ##f_1,f_2,f_3##, then we difine the total power P of the configuration as $$P=P_1+P_2+P_3$$
hence the focal length of a single lens which can act like the given combination is obtained from :
$$1/f = 1/f_1 + 1/f_2 + 1/f_3$$
now try to use this relation.
 
This is a experiment. I guess you might have done it for physics practical?
I will give you a link so you may remember it
http://uotechnology.edu.iq/dep-laserandoptoelec-eng/English/laboratory/1/U p/Determination the refractive index of a liquid by a liquid l.pdf

I know that relation and all formulas, but
in 1/F=1/f1+1/f2 from where we will get F and f2? 2 variables here to solve. One would say that F we will get by seeing the image and object coincide again but how that distance measured is theoretically focal length of the convex and liquid lens system?
f1 we have determined by measuring the distance of the image and object needle being coincident.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Aditya for giving me an explanation but got the answer of my query from blue leaf, if you see my Focus point thread in general physics.
I think sometimes way of expressing questions have a lot of impact on people (As I think I did there and kudos to the guy for explaining in a nice way).
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K