Newtonian Form of Lens Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the Newtonian form of the lens equation, specifically the equation f = x'x, from the standard lens equation. Participants explore the relationships between object distance, image distance, and focal length, using ray diagrams and algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the Newtonian form can be derived directly from the standard lens equation, with varying interpretations of the terms involved.
  • One participant suggests that drawing a diagram could clarify the derivation process.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the correctness of the Newtonian form and suggests that substitution from the standard equation leads to a different valid form.
  • There are claims that certain substitutions lead to complex quadratic equations, with participants discussing the challenges of these derivations.
  • One participant shares a detailed algebraic manipulation that leads to a form of the lens equation, while others express confusion about specific steps and assumptions made during the derivation.
  • Participants discuss the implications of sign choices in their equations and the physical relevance of the terms involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the derivation process or the validity of the Newtonian form. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the equations remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of terms such as object distance and image distance, as well as the implications of sign choices in the equations. Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their derivations and the applicability of the equations discussed.

JSGandora
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Can the Newtonian Form the Lens Equation [itex]f=x'x[/itex] be derived directly from the standard form the lens equation? [itex]\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{d_{i}}+\frac{d}{d_{o}}[/itex]

[itex]x[/itex] is the distance between the object and the focus on the same side of the object. [itex]x'[/itex] is the distance between the image and the focus on the other side of the lens from the first focus.
 
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JSGandora said:
Can the Newtonian Form the Lens Equation [itex]f=x'x[/itex] be derived directly from the standard form the lens equation? [itex]\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{d_{i}}+\frac{d}{d_{o}}[/itex]

[itex]x[/itex] is the distance between the object and the focus on the same side of the object. [itex]x'[/itex] is the distance between the image and the focus on the other side of the lens from the first focus.

Yes, overlooking the typo in the equation and the misuse of the word "focus".
 
Oops, sorry about that. I'm not used to the LaTeX on this website with its rendering time. Can you tell me how? I derived it from a ray diagram.
 
If you draw a picture showing the various points, it should be straightforward to show that the Newton equation must be true.
 
Isn't that just deriving it from a ray diagram? I know how to do that. I mean deriving it directly from the standard lens equation itself.
 
I don't know what you mean, but you'll never derive the equation you typed because it is wrong. If you assume the regular lens equation is true and substitute, you quickly find that the correct alternative form of the lens equation must also be true. I personally never use it, and I use optics equations all the time, but I suppose it's useful for some specialized sorts of applications.
 
Yes, I understand that what I have typed is incorrect. It should be [itex]\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{d_i}+\frac{1}{d_o}[/itex] and [itex]f^2=xx'[/itex]. My bad.

Also, for your way of substitution, I have the equations [itex]|d_i-f|=x'[/itex] and [itex]|d_o-f|=x[/itex]. Substitution would involve solving for [itex]d_i[/itex] and [itex]d_o[/itex] which involves ugly quadratics. Is there a better way to do this? Or is this the only way?
 
POOF! just got it. ah..solving at the back of the receipt from a mall. :D

di is the same sa x', so di = x' (u can use this interchangeably)
so as for do, do=xo

thus,

x'=x'+f and xo=xo+f
substitute this to
1/f=1/di + 1/do

1/f = (1/x'+f) + (1/xo+f)
1/f = {(x'+f)+(xo+f)}/{(x'+f)(xo+f)}
do little algebra then,
reciprocate
f= (x'+f)(xo+f)/(x'+xo+2f)
cross multiply
(x'f)+(xf)+2f^2=x'xo+fxo+x'f+f^2
simplify
then
2f^2=x'xo+f^2 (transpose f^2 to the other side of the equation)
2f^2-f^2= x'xo
POOF
f^2=x'xo

note: in xo , o is a subscript.

Hope u understand :)
 
121910marj said:
di is the same sa x', so di = x' (u can use this interchangeably)
so as for do, do=xo

thus,

x'=x'+f and xo=xo+f
substitute this to
1/f=1/di + 1/do
Sorry, I don't really understand how d_i is the same as x'. x' is supposed to be the distance between the image and the focus behind the lens. Also, how can this be?
121910marj said:
x'=x'+f and xo=xo+f
If that were true, then we would have f=0 which is not true for all lenses (I'm not even sure if it can be true at all).
 
  • #10
JSGandora said:
Substitution would involve solving for [itex]d_i[/itex] and [itex]d_o[/itex] which involves ugly quadratics.

Oh, the horrors! :wink: It took maybe 10 seconds writing on a paper plate that I'll later use to feed my cat, so I'm not sure what the issue is or if you've actually tried the derivation.
 
  • #11
Haha, okay. I'll try it. This is what I get:

[itex]|d_i-f|=x[/itex]

[itex]\implies d_i ^2-2d_i f+f^2=x'^2[/itex]

[itex]\implies d_i^2-2d_if+f^2-x'^2=0[/itex]

[itex]\implies d_i=\frac{2f\pm \sqrt{4f^2-4(f^2-x'^2)}}{2}[/itex]

[itex]\implies d_i=\frac{2f\pm2x'}{2}[/itex]

[itex]\implies d_i=f\pm x'[/itex]

Similarly, we have [itex]d_o=f\pm x[/itex]

Substituting, we get
[itex]\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{f\pm x'}+\frac{1}{f\pm x}[/itex]

[itex]\implies (f\pm x)(f\pm x')=f(f\pm x')+f(f\pm x)[/itex]

[itex]{f^2}\pm{fx'}\pm{xf}\pm xx' = {f^2}\pm{fx'}+f^2\pm{fx}[/itex]

[itex]\pm xx'=f^2[/itex]

How do we know which sign the LHS has? Is the Trivial Inequality enough to just say that it is positive?

Also, why doesn't the \cancel function and \begin{align*} function not work on LaTeX?

By the way, thank you JeffKoch for forcing me to do the derivation, I was too lazy earlier.
 
  • #12
oops! sorry XD for the major mistake but i thank you for the corrections, you help me understand it too. :)
 
  • #13
JSGandora said:
How do we know which sign the LHS has?

The term f^2 is obviously positive if we're talking about real physical lenses, so the other side must also be positive. If you think about it, there are two ways to do this, and both make sense. :wink:
 

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