How Is the Radius of Curvature 8.68 mm Calculated for a Lens?

  • Thread starter Thread starter roam
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curvature Radius
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The radius of curvature for a lens focusing parallel light in air into a medium with a refractive index of 1.33 is calculated to be 8.68 mm. The lens-maker's equation, specifically F = n_2 R / (n_2 - n_1), is essential for this calculation. The focal length (f) is given as 35 mm, leading to the correct application of the formula to derive the radius of curvature. Misapplication of the equations, such as neglecting the refractive index, leads to incorrect results like 70 mm or 17.9 mm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the lens-maker's equation
  • Knowledge of refractive indices
  • Familiarity with focal length concepts
  • Basic principles of optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the lens-maker's equation in detail
  • Learn about the effects of refractive index on light propagation
  • Explore practical applications of radius of curvature in lens design
  • Investigate the relationship between focal length and curvature in optical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in introductory physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of lens design and light behavior in different media.

roam
Messages
1,265
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement



Parallel light in air enters a transparent medium of refractive index 1.33 and is focused 35 mm behind the surface. Calculate the radius of curvature of the surface of the medium

Homework Equations



[itex]f = \frac{R}{2}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{1}{f}=(n-1) \left( \frac{1}{R_1}-\frac{1}{R_2} \right)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



The correct answer must be 8.68 mm, I can't see how they got this answer.

We know that the focus is 35 mm, so if we use the equation

[itex]R=2f=2 \times 35 = 70 \ mm[/itex]

But this is not correct and it doesn't take into account the refractive index.

So, I also tried using the lens-maker's equation:

[itex]\frac{1}{35} = (1.33-1) \left( \frac{1}{R}- 0 \right) \implies R = 17.9[/itex]

I wasn't sure what to use for the second radius so I used 0, and I didn't get the correct answer. So how can I get 8.68 mm?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think you understood the problem correctly. You have light in one medium entering another medium through a parabolic surface. Not sure the level of your class, but since it's posted in intro phys, I'll just give you the formula.

[tex]F=n_ 2 R/(n_2-n_1)[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K