Issues with Simple Glass Lens & White Light

In summary, a simple glass lens does not focus the image of an object correctly under white light due to various factors. These include the absorption of light by the lens, coloration caused by impurities in the glass, reflection of light on the surface of the lens, and the splitting of sunlight into different colors by a glass prism. Additionally, the refractive index of a glass lens varies depending on the color of light passing through it, resulting in a blur image as the different colors are brought to focus at different points. This is due to the fact that the speed of light in a medium, and therefore the refractive index, varies for different colors of light.
  • #1
songoku
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Homework Statement


A simple glass lens do not focus the image of an object correctly under white light because

a. the lens absorbs light
b. the glass has come colouration due to impurities
c. the surface of the lens reflect some light
d. a glass prism splits sunlight into different colours.
e. glass absorbs UV light


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Sorry I am clueless...:frown:
 
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  • #2
Glass lens focuses light due to refraction. Refractive index depends on the color of the light. That is why we see the rainbow. In the lens the colors in the white light are brought to focus at different points producing a blur image.
 
  • #3
Hi Mr. rl.bhat
rl.bhat said:
Glass lens focuses light due to refraction. Refractive index depends on the color of the light. That is why we see the rainbow. In the lens the colors in the white light are brought to focus at different points producing a blur image.

You mean the refractive index of one glass lens depends on the color of the light that passes through it?

This is what I can come up with :

[tex]n=\frac{c}{v}[/tex] , where v is the speed of light in medium

The speed of red light and blue light will be different if they travel in same medium (e.g water) so the value of n (refractive index) of the water will be different for them?

And they only have the same speed if they travel in vacuum?

I think the answer is (d)

Thanks
 

1. What is the main issue with using a simple glass lens?

The main issue with using a simple glass lens is that it can cause chromatic aberration, which is when different colors of light are refracted at different angles, resulting in blurry or distorted images.

2. How does chromatic aberration affect white light?

Chromatic aberration affects white light by causing it to separate into its component colors, resulting in a rainbow-like effect around the edges of objects in the image.

3. Can chromatic aberration be corrected?

Yes, chromatic aberration can be corrected by using multiple lenses with different refractive indices, such as achromatic or apochromatic lenses. These lenses are designed to minimize the separation of colors and produce a clearer image.

4. Are there any other issues with using a simple glass lens?

Another issue with using a simple glass lens is spherical aberration, which occurs when light rays passing through the edges of the lens are refracted differently than those passing through the center, resulting in blurring or distortion of the image.

5. How can spherical aberration be addressed?

Spherical aberration can be addressed by using aspherical lenses, which are designed to minimize the differences in refraction between the center and edges of the lens. Additionally, using a combination of lenses can also help reduce spherical aberration.

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