Power of a spherical refracting surface

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The power of a spherical refracting surface is defined by the formula P = (n2 – n1)/R, where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the object and image spaces, respectively, and R is the radius of curvature. A user attempted to derive this expression but arrived at a different formula, P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)], based on their calculations involving object and image distances. The confusion arose from the interpretation of the focal length in relation to the medium's refractive index. It was clarified that the focal length in air should be adjusted by the refractive index of the medium, leading to the correct power expression as P = n1/f1. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the refractive index when calculating the power of refracting surfaces.
Amith2006
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The power of a spherical refracting surface is given as, P = (n2 – n1)/R
Where n1 = refractive index of object space, n2 = refractive index of image space
R = Radius of curvature of the spherical surface
I tried to derive the expression but I got a different expression.
Let u and v be the object and image distance from the spherical surface respectively.
Suppose the spherical refracting surface produces the image of a real object placed at its first principal focus at infinity. Then,
u = +f1, v = infinity
For refraction at a spherical surface,
(n2)/v + (n1)/u = (n2 – n1)/R
(n2)/(infinity) + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
0 + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
f1 = [(n1)(R)]/( (n2 – n1)
Power = 1/f1
Therefore P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)]
Could you please tell me where I have gone wrong?
 
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Amith2006 said:
The power of a spherical refracting surface is given as, P = (n2 – n1)/R
Where n1 = refractive index of object space, n2 = refractive index of image space
R = Radius of curvature of the spherical surface
I tried to derive the expression but I got a different expression.
Let u and v be the object and image distance from the spherical surface respectively.
Suppose the spherical refracting surface produces the image of a real object placed at its first principal focus at infinity. Then,
u = +f1, v = infinity
For refraction at a spherical surface,
(n2)/v + (n1)/u = (n2 – n1)/R
(n2)/(infinity) + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
0 + (n1)/f1 = (n2 – n1)/R
f1 = [(n1)(R)]/( (n2 – n1)
Power = 1/f1
Therefore P = (n2 – n1)/[(n1)(R)]
Could you please tell me where I have gone wrong?
It looks like f1 is the focal length in air (n = 1). The power is the reciprocal of the focal length in the medium. That focal length is f1/n1 in a medium with index of refraction n1. So the power is P = n1/f1

AM
 
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