Why Is an Image at Infinity Called Highly Magnified?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An image formed at infinity by a convex lens occurs when an object is placed at the focal point. This image is termed "highly magnified" due to the parallel rays produced after passing through the lens. The magnification is considered infinite when the object is exactly at the focal point, contradicting the notion of a finite magnification. If the object is close to the focal point but not precisely there, the magnification remains large but finite.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of convex lenses and their properties
  • Knowledge of focal points in optics
  • Basic principles of image formation in physics
  • Familiarity with magnification calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of ray optics and lens equations
  • Learn about the differences between real and virtual images
  • Explore the concept of magnification in various optical systems
  • Investigate applications of convex lenses in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of light and lenses in image formation.

skqureshi
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
When an object is placed at the focal point of a convex lens, the image is formed at infinity, yet it is called a highly magnified image. The fact being that after passing through the convex lens the rays run parallel or rather as a beam.

My question is that if the image is formed at infinity why is it not referred to as an infinitely magnified image. But still if we insist in calling the image as highly magnified, then what should be the magnitude of magnification?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Welcome to Physics Forums.

If the object is at the focal point, the magnification is infinite. Not sure why you have been told otherwise.

If the magnification is large, but not infinite, that means the object was near, but not at, the focal point.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Image construction with concave and convex mirrors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Using simple lenses to image AFM Probes
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad How to Measure Magnification of a Lens System with Liquid Surface
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
Undergrad How Do Electromagnetic Lenses Magnify the Image?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding magnification of concave mirrors for near-eye situation?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Convex Lens: Image Formation at Infinity & Parallel Rays
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Undergrad Applications of Virtual objects
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
High School Forming an Image with a Convex Lens
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Collimating an extended source to infinity?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
21K
Graduate What are the key considerations for imaging with a condenser fresnel lens?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
8K