Question about sign convention for R1 and R2 when using the lens maker's formula

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the sign convention for radii R1 and R2 in the lens maker's formula for various lens types. Users express confusion about determining whether the radius of curvature is positive or negative based on the lens shape and light direction. A reference is provided that explains that a surface bulging outward is considered R>0, while a surface depressed inward is R<0, although some diagrams contradict this. Clarification is sought on how to apply these conventions correctly. Ultimately, it is confirmed that R1 is negative if it lies on the left side of the pole, providing resolution to the confusion.
chitturp
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Hi!
I'm having some trouble with optics.
When we have convex, planoconvex, concave, planoconcave, and meniscus lenses, I don't understand how to substitute with the sign for R1 and R2. How do I determine whether the radius of a side is negative or positive? A book that I'm using said to take incident light in a particular direction and then measure the radius from the lens itself, but I honestly still don't understand that method at all... Then I found this:

http://www.livephysics.com/tools/optics/focal-length-for-thin-lens.html

but even though it says there that a surface "bulging out" of the lens is taken as R>0, and a surface "depressed into the lens" is R<0, it has the exact opposite shown in a few of the diagrams..

I'm confused and I would really appreciate it if someone could clarify this.
Thank you!
 
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Use sign convention. For example R1 is negative if it lies on ghe left side of the pole.
 
It makes sense now! Thank you!
 
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