Image in a glass sphere (Ray Optics)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optical properties of images formed by hollow versus solid spheres in ray optics. A solid sphere focuses light based on its refractive index, while a hollow sphere's focusing ability diminishes as the hollow center increases, ultimately leading to no focusing effect in very thin shells. The focal point for distant objects, such as the Sun, varies with the material's refractive index. Understanding these differences is crucial for applications in optics and lens design.

PREREQUISITES
  • Ray optics principles
  • Refractive index concepts
  • Understanding of focal points
  • Basic geometry of spheres
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of refractive index on image formation in lenses
  • Explore the mathematics of focal points in optical systems
  • Study the differences between solid and hollow optical elements
  • Learn about practical applications of ray optics in lens design
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of image formation in lenses and optical systems.

anyonebutangel
Messages
40
Reaction score
5
crystal-ball_2.jpg
 
Science news on Phys.org
Where is 'it said'? If the sphere is hollow then how thick are the walls?
Think of a bubble.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
sophiecentaur said:
Where is 'it said'?
said by a classmate.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Where is 'it said'? If the sphere is hollow then how thick are the walls?
Think of a bubble.
I agree that image formed depends on the thickness of sphere.I just want to know how is it different from that formed in solid sphere.
 
anyonebutangel said:
said by a classmate.
I did wonder about that. Classmates are not always a good source of good info. :rolleyes:
Starting with a solid sphere, you can use this link to work out the point where a distant object (the Sun, for instance) will be focussed at an approximate focal point. The distance will depend on the material used (refractive index). As the hollow centre gets bigger, the focus will be further away until there is no focussing effect for a very thin shell.
 

Similar threads

Graduate When should I analyze optical problems using ray tracing vs. wavefront analysis?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Undergrad Image construction with concave and convex mirrors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Light coupling from optical fiber to glass?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Undergrad Paraxial ray tracing: fixing image/height w/o knowing stop location
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Scattering and non-imaging optics
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad What does "upright" mean in geometric optics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Help with sourcing a specific type of integrating sphere
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Question regarding Ray Optics and Probability
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Graduate The validity of ray optics in telescopes
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Graduate Collimation of a Gaussian beam
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K