Basics of Lens Sign Convention
The following are some terms that must be understood before starting the lens equation :
- Object Distance (u): Object distances are measured from the object to the lens along the direction of the incident light.
- Image Distance (v): Image distances are measured from the lens to the image along the direction in which the light travels after passing through the lens.
- Focal Length (f): Focal length refers to the distance between the optical center of a lens and the point where light rays converge to form a sharp image of an object when the lens is focused at infinity.
- Magnification (m): The ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object, is called magnification.
Lens Sign Convention
A lens in optics is a transparent device with curved surfaces that refract light. It can be converging or diverging based on its shape. The lens sign convention, or Cartesian sign convention, helps determine the nature, size, and position of images formed by lenses accurately. It clarifies the positive and negative signs for object and image distances, focal lengths, and magnifications, crucial for optical calculations and predictions.
Table of Content
- What is the Lens Sign Convention?
- Basics of Lens Sign Convention
- Cartesian Sign Convention
- Sign Conventions in Different Lenses
- Lens Maker’s formula
- Conclusion: Lens Sign Convention