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Solved Examples on Ray Optics
Question 1:
A praying mantis preys along the central axis of a thin symmetrical
lens, 20 cm from the lens. The lateral magnification of the mantis
provided by the lens is m = 0.25, and the index of refraction of the
lens material is 1.65.
(a) Determine the type of image produced by the lens; whether the
object (mantis) is inside or outside the focal point; on which side of
the lens the image appears; and whether the image is inverted.
(b) What is the magnitude r of the two radii of curvature of the lens?
Solution:
(a) From equation m = – i/p, and the given value for m, we see that
i = mp
= 0.25p
Even without finishing the calculation, we can answer the questions.
Because p is positive, i here must be positive. That means we have
a real image, which means we have a converging lens (the only
lensthat can produce a real image). The object must be outside the
focal point (the only way a real image can be produced). And the
image is inverted and on the side of the lens opposite the object.
(That is how a converging lens makes a real image.)
(b) Because the lens is symmetric, r1 (for the surface nearer the
object) and r2 have the same magnitude r. Because the lens is a
converging lens, r1 = +r and r2 = r. We have only one question 1/f =
(n1) [1/r1 – 1/r2] that includes the radius of curvature of a lens, but
we lack a value for f to insert in that equation. We can get f from
equation 1/f = 1/p + 1/i if we first find i. So, we must finish the
calculation for i, inserting the given value of p and obtaining
i = (0.25) (20 cm)
= 5.0 cm
Now equation 1/f = 1/p + 1/i give us,
1/f = 1/p + 1/i
= [{1/(20 cm)} + {1/(5.0 cm)}]
from which we find, f = 4.0 cm.
Equation 1/f = (n1) [1/r1 – 1/r2] gives us,
1/f = (n1) [1/r1 – 1/r2]
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= (n1) [1/(+r) – 1/(r)]
or, with known values inserted,
1/(4 cm) = (1.65 – 1) (2/r),
which gives,
r = (2) (0.65) (4.0 cm0
= 5.2 cm
From the above observation we conclude that, the magnitude r of the
two radii of curvature of the lens would be 5.2 cm.
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Question 2 (IITJEE):
A small object is placed 45 cm from a convex refracting surface of
radius of curvature 15 cm. If the surface separates air from glass of
refractive index 1.5, find the position of the image. Also, determine
the first and second principal focal lengths.
Solution:
Distance of object, u = 45 cm
Radius of curvature, R = +15 cm
μ2 = 1.5
μ2 = 1
As the object lies in the rarer medium
μ2/v – μ1/u = μ2 – μ1/ R
[1.5/v] – [1/(45)] = 0.5/15
= 1/30
1.5/v = 1/30 – 1/45
1.5/v = 1/90
v = 135 cm
Therefore position of the image would be at 135 cm.
First principal focal length is given by
f1 = μ1R/[μ2–μ1]
= – (1×15)/0.5
= 30 cm
Second principal focal length is given by
f2 = μ2R/[μ2–μ1]
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= – (1.5×15)/0.5
= 45 cm
From the above observation we conclude that, the first focal length
would be at distance 30 cm and second focal length would be at
distance 45 cm.
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Question 3:
An object is placed at a certain distance from a convex lens of focal
length 20 cm. Find the distance of the object if the image obtained is
magnified 4 times.
Solution:
Case (i): When the image is real,
m = 4
So, v/u = 4 or v = 4u
Now, 1/f = 1/v – 1/u
So, 1/20 = – (1/4u) – (1/u)
= – (1/u) [1+(1/4)]
Or, 1/20 = – (5/4u)
Or, u = (20)× (5/4)
= 25 cm
From the above observation we conclude that, the distance of the
object if the image obtained is magnified 4 times would be 25 cm.
Case (ii): When the image is virtual, m = +4
So, v/u = +4 or v = +4u
Again, 1/f = 1/v – 1/u
= (1/4u) – (1/u)
So, 1/20 = (1/u) [(1/4) – 1]
1/20 = (3/4u)
Or, u = (20) (3/4) = 15 cm
From the above observation we conclude that, the distance of the
object if the image obtained is magnified 4 times would be 15 cm.
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