Lateral Inversion of Images Formed by Convex & Concave Lenses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the lateral inversion of images formed by convex and concave lenses, focusing on whether images are laterally inverted based on the object's placement relative to the lens. Participants explore both real and virtual images and the implications of lens types on image formation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether an image formed by a convex lens, when the object is placed outside the focus, is laterally inverted.
  • Another participant suggests that the behavior of a lens depends on its refractive index and shape, indicating that a biconvex lens may not behave as expected without considering these factors.
  • There is a request for assistance in drawing ray diagrams to better understand the image formation process.
  • A suggestion is made to visualize the setup from different axes to aid in drawing the ray diagrams accurately.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the lateral inversion of images, and multiple viewpoints regarding the behavior of lenses and the necessity of ray diagrams remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the external shape of the lens alone does not determine its effect on light, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the specific conditions under which lateral inversion occurs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying optics, particularly those interested in the properties of lenses and image formation.

canoluk2003
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Lens problem!

Hi guys,
When an object is placed in front of a convex lens ( not between Focus and optical centre ), the image formed on the other side should be inverted and real. My question is, with the mentioned placement of the object, will the image be laterally inverted? Further more, will a virtual image formed by the same lens be laterally inverted?

Same question for concave lenses.

Thanks everyone!
 
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My question is, with the mentioned placement of the object, will the image be laterally inverted? Further more, will a virtual image formed by the same lens be laterally inverted?
Sketch the ray diagrams and see :) Seriously - this is an important exercise that you have to do for yourself to get the benefit.

Draw an "overhead" diagram for an object that has a distinct left-right about it.

caveat:
The external shape of the lens is not sufficient, by itself, to determine it's affect on light. A given "biconvex lens" may not behave as expected - the behavior depends on the refractive index of the lens material and that for the surrounding medium as well as the shape. In your case, a better description would be "converging lens" - since parallel rays converge towards the focus. The opposite is "diverging lens" since parallel light diverges from the opposite focus.
 


Hi man, thanks for the reply. I still can't draw the ray diagram u have mentioned.. Mind giving some help? ; (
 


Can you draw the regular one?

Imagine, the z axis going along the optic axis of the diagram.
The regular arrow you use for the diagram points along the y-axis ... and you look at the setup along the x-axis to get the usual setup.

Just imagine there is another arrow along the x-axis and draw what it looks like looking down the y-axis. Then draw in principal rays for this setup.

(If you are really good you can draw it in 3D.)
 

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