General Lens Question: Diverging or Converging

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining whether a Meniscus lens is converging or diverging based on curvature. A Meniscus lens behaves as a converging lens if the curvature of the first lens is greater, while it acts as a diverging lens if the second lens has greater curvature. Additionally, the lens's thickness plays a crucial role: a thicker middle indicates convergence, whereas a thinner middle indicates divergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lens types, specifically Meniscus lenses
  • Knowledge of optical curvature concepts
  • Familiarity with basic lens equations and optics principles
  • Ability to visualize lens shapes and their effects on light
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Meniscus lenses in optical design
  • Learn about the Rayleigh criterion for lens performance
  • Explore the impact of lens thickness on optical behavior
  • Study the applications of converging and diverging lenses in real-world optics
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Students of optics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in optical engineering or lens design will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement



General question here: If I have a lens that looks like two concave lenses put together (I believe it is called a Meniscus), how do I conceptually tell whether the lens should be converging or diverging? I think I remember reading something saying that it depends upon which lens has the greater Curvature but I can't find where I saw this...
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Never mind: figured it out. If the curvature of the first lens is greater, then it is converging. If the curvature of the second lens is greater, it is diverging.
 
If the lens is thicker in the middle, it's converging; if thinner, diverging.
 

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