Chapter 7

LENSES
- Parth Momaya

All Numerical problems are at the back.

1. Match the columns in the following table and EXPLAIN them.

Column 1 Column 2 Column 2

Farsightedness Far away object can be seen clearly Convex lens

Presbyopia Problem of old age Bifocal lens

Near-sightedness Nearby object can be seen clearly Concave lens

EXPLANATION:
i. Farsightedness is caused due to reduction in the curvature of the cornea
and eye lens. The converging power of the lens becomes less. In this
defect the human eye can see distant objects clearly but cannot see
nearby objects distinctly. Since a convex lens can converge incoming rays,
it can be used to correct this defect of eye.

Just for
reference.

ii. The focusing power of the eye lens decreases with age. The muscles near
the lens lose their ability to change the focal length of the lens. Old
people suffer from nearsightedness as well as farsightedness. This
condition is called as Presbyopia. In such a case bifocal lenses are
required to correct the defect.
iii. Nearsightedness is caused due to increase in the curvature of the cornea
and eye lens. The muscles near the lens cannot relax so that the
converging power of the lens remains large. In this defect the human eye
can see nearby objects clearly but cannot see distant objects distinctly.
Since a concave lens can diverge incoming rays, it can be used to correct
this defect of eye.

Just for
reference.

2. Draw a figure explaining various terms related to a lens.

Cross section of convex lens

 Cross section of concave lens

i. Centre of curvature (C): The centres of spheres whose parts form

surfaces of the lenses are called centres of curvatures of the lenses. A
lens with both surfaces spherical, has two centres of curvature C1 and C2.
ii. Radius of curvature (R): The radii (R1 and R2) of the spheres whose parts
form surfaces of the lenses are called the radii of curvature of the lens.
iii. Principal axis: The imaginary line passing through both centres of
curvature is called the principal axis of the lens.
iv. Optical centre (O): The point inside a lens on the principal axis, through
which light rays pass without changing their path is called the optical
centre of a lens. In the following figure, rays P1Q1, P2Q2 passing through O
are going along a straight line. Thus, O is the optical centre of the lens.
 (a) Principal focus of a convex lens

Optical centre of a lens (b) Principal focus of a concave lens

v. Principal focus (F): When light rays parallel to the principal axis are
incident on a convex lens, they converge to a point on the principal axis.
This point is called the principal focus of the lens. As shown in above
figure-a, F1 and F2 are the principal foci of the convex lens.
vi. Light rays parallel to the principal axis falling on a convex lens come
together, i.e. get focused at a point on the principal axis. So, this type of
lens is called a converging lens.

Rays travelling parallel to the principal axis of a concave lens diverge after
refraction in such a way that they appear to be coming out of a point on
the principal axis. This point is called the principal focus of the concave
i. lens. As shown in above figure-b, F1 and F2 are the principal foci of the
concave lens.
ii. Light rays parallel to the principal axis falling on a concave lens go away
from one another (diverge) after refraction. So, this type of lens is called
a diverging lens.
vi. Focal length (f): The distance between the optical centre and principal
focus of a lens is called its focal length.

3. At which position will you keep an object in front of a convex lens

so as to get a real image of the same size as the object? Draw a
figure.
When an object is placed at the centre of curvature 2F1 of a convex lens,
we will get a real image of the same size as the object.
4. Give scientific reasons:
a. Simple microscope is used for watch repairs.

i. A convex lens with small focal length produces a virtual, erect and bigger
image of an object.

ii. Such a lens is called simple microscope or magnifying lens.

iii. One can get a 20 times larger image of an object using such microscopes.

iv. Therefore, it is used by watch repairers to see the minute parts of the
watch clearly without causing any strain to the eyes.

b. One can sense colours only in bright light.

i. The retina in our eyes is made up of many light sensitive cells. These cells
are shaped like a rod and like a cone.

ii. The rod like cells respond to the intensity of light and give information
about the brightness or dimness of the object to the brain. The conical
cells respond to the colour and give information about the colour of the
object to the brain.

iii. Brain processes all the information received and we see the actual image
of the object.

iv. Rod like cells respond to faint light also but conical cells do not. Thus, we
perceive colours only in bright light.
c. We can not clearly see an object kept at a distance less than 25 cm
from the eye.
i. The muscles attached to the eye lens (ciliary muscles) help in fine
adjustments of the focal length of the lens.
ii. The capacity of these muscles to contract or relax to adjust the focal
length (i.e., power of accommodation) has a limit.
iii. The minimum distance of an object from a normal eye, at which it is
clearly visible without stress on the eye, is called as minimum distance of
distinct vision.
iv. The position of the object at this distance is called the near point of the
eye, for a normal human eye, the near point is at 25 cm.
v. Hence, We can not clearly see an object kept at a distance less than 25
cm from the eye

5. Explain the working of an astronomical telescope using refraction

of light.

To be
drawn in
exam.
i. Telescope is used to see distant objects clearly in their magnified form.
The telescopes used to observe astronomical sources like the stars and
the planets are called astronomical telescopes. Telescopes are of two
types.

1. Refracting telescope – This uses lenses

2. Reflecting telescope – This uses mirrors and also lenses.

ii. In both, the image formed by the objective acts as object for the eye
piece which forms the final image. Objective lens has large diameter and
larger focal length because of which maximum amount of light coming
from the distant object can be collected.

iii. On the other hand, the size of the eyepiece is smaller, and its focal length
is also less.

iv. Both the lenses are fitted inside a metallic tube in such a way that the
distance between them can be changed.

v. The principal axes of both the lenses are along the same straight line.
Generally, using the same objective but different eye pieces, different
magnification can be obtained.

vi. When rays of light enter the objective, they refract and give a real
inverted and diminished image.

vii. The eye–piece is so adjusted that the image becomes an object for the
eyepiece and gives a virtual, enlarged and inverted image w.r.t to object.
6. Distinguish between:

Farsightedness/ Hypermetropia Near-sightedness/ Myopia

The curvature of the cornea and eye The curvature of the cornea and eye
lens decreases so that the converging lens increases so that the converging
power becomes less. power becomes more.
Due to the flattening of the eyeball The eyeball elongates so that the
the distance between the lens and distance between the lens and the
retina decreases. retina increases.
A person suffering from this defect A person suffering from this defect
can see distant objects clearly but is can see nearby objects clearly but is
unable to see nearby objects. unable to see distant objects.
It can be corrected by using It can be corrected by using
spectacles having convex lenses of spectacles having concave lenses of
suitable focal length. suitable focal length.

Concave lens Convex lens

It is also called as diverging lens. It is also called as converging lens.
This lens is thinner in the centre than This lens is thicker at the centre than
at its edges. at its edges.
The focal length is negative. The focal length is positive.
This lens is used to correct myopia. This lens can be used to correct
hypermetropia.
7. What is the function of iris and the muscles connected to the lens
in human eye?
i. Iris gives the eye color. The key function of this is to regulate the amount
of light that reaches the eye.
ii. Ciliary muscles (Linked to the eye lens) contract and relax to adjust the
lens focal length. That helps us to see things nearby and far away.

8. Solve the following examples. – At the back

 INTEXT QUESTIONS
1. Indicate the following terms related to spherical mirrors in given figure:
poles, centre of curvature, radius of curvature, principal focus.

2. How are concave and convex mirrors constructed?

i. Generally, concave and convex mirror are spherical mirrors.
ii. Spherical mirrors are parts of a hollow glass sphere like the part B in the
figure.
iii. The inner or outer surface of this part is coated with a shiny substance
to produce spherical mirror.

3. What are real and virtual images? How will you find out whether an
image is real or virtual? Can a virtual image be obtained on a screen?
i. If the reflected or refracted rays actually meet at a point, then the image
formed is Real and it can be seen on a screen.
ii. If the reflected or refracted rays appear to meet at a point, then the
image formed is called virtual.
ii. If the images are inverted, then they are real and if they are erect then
they are virtual.
iii. Virtual images cannot be obtained on a screen.

4. What is the Cartesian sign convention used for spherical mirrors?

According to the Cartesian sign convention, the pole of the mirror is
taken as the origin. The principal axis is taken as the X–axis of the frame
of reference. The sign conventions are as follows.
i. The object is always kept on the left of the both mirrors. All distances
parallel to the Principal axis are measured from the pole of the mirror.
ii. All distances measured towards the right of the pole are taken to be
positive, while those measured towards left are taken to be negative.
iii. Distances measured vertically upwards from the principal axis are taken
to be positive.
iv. Distances measured vertically downwards from the principal axis are
taken to be negative.
v. The focal length of concave mirror is positive while that of a convex
mirror is negative.

5. What is the relation between h1, h2, u and v?

The ratio of height of image (h2) to the height of the object (h1) is called
Magnification (M).

….(i)

Magnification can also be calculated by the ratio of the image distance (v)
to the object distance (u).

….(ii)

From (i) and (ii),

6. Why do we have to bring a small object near the eyes in order to see it
clearly?
i. The Apparent size of an object depends on the angle subtended by the
object at the eye.
ii. When the object is closes to the eye, the angle subtended is larger and
the object appears bigger.
iii. Hence, we have to bring a small object near eye.
7. If we bring an object closer than 25 cm from the eyes, why can we not
see it clearly even though it subtends a bigger angle at the eye? - Same
answer as 4 – c
8. How do we perceive different colours?
i. The retina in our eyes is made up of many light sensitive cells. These
cells are shaped like a rod and like a cone.
ii. The rod like cells respond to the intensity of light and give information
about the brightness or dimness of the object to the brain.
iii. The conical cells respond to the colour and give information about the
colour of the object to the brain.
iv. Brain processes all the information received, and we see the actual
image of the object.
v. The conical cells can respond differently to red, green and blue colours.
When red colour falls on the eyes, the cells responding to red light get
excited more than those responding to other colours, and we get the
sensation of red colour.
 Previous Year Questions
1. Observe the following figure and complete the table:

I. Position of the object: Between F1 and O

II. Position of the image: On the same side of the lens as the object
III. Size of the image: Very large
IV. Nature of the image: Virtual and erect
2. Write down any two rules used for drawing ray diagrams for the
formation of image by convex lens.
Two rules for drawing ray diagrams for the formation of image by convex
lens are as follows:
i. When the incident ray is parallel to the principal axis, the refracted ray
passes through the principal focus.
ii. When the incident ray passes through the optical centre of the lens, it
passes without changing its direction.
3. Simple microscope is used for watch repairs. Give Reason. – Exercise
Question 4 - a
4. Write a note on : ‘Persistence of vision’.
i. We see an object because the eye lens creates its image on the retina.
ii. The image is on the retina as long as the object is in front of us. The
image disappears as soon as the object is taken away.
iii. However, this is not instantaneous, and the image remains imprinted on
our retina for 1/16th of a second after the object is removed.
iv. The sensation on retina persists for a while. This is called persistence of
vision.
5. Surabhi from std. X uses spectacle. The power of the lenses in her
spectacle is 0.5 D. Answer the following questions from the given
information:
I. Identify the type of lenses used in her spectacle.
II. Identify the defect of vision Surabhi is suffering from.
III. Find the focal length of the lenses used in her spectacle.
i. The power of the lenses in her spectacle is positive; hence it is a
convex type of lens.
ii. Since the spectacle has convex lens, Surabhi is suffering from
hypermetropia.
iii. .
f(m)
6. Distinguish between hypermetropia and myopia. (3 points)
7. Exercise Question 6 - a

7. Complete the following table for convex lens:

At infinity
Same size

Virtual and erect

9. Draw a scientifically correct labelled diagram of a human eye and

answer the questions based on it:
a. Name the type of lens in the human eye.
b. Name the screen at which the maximum amount of incident light is
refracted?
c. State the nature of the image formed of the object on the screen
inside the eye.

a. A double convex transparent crystalline lens.

b. Maximum amount of incident light is refracted at the cornea.
c. Real and inverted
 EYE MUSCLES
LENS

CORNEA
PUPIL RETINA

BLIND SPOT

IRIS
OPTIC NERVE
CILIARY
MUSCLES

10. Draw the image formed by convex lens, if object is placed at 2F1

NUMERICALS
P.T.O
 SOLVED
EXAMPLES
1 An object is placed vertically at a distance of 20 cm from a convex lens.
If the height of the object is 5 cm and the focal length of the lens is 10 cm,
what will be the position, size and nature of the image?
How much bigger will the image be as compared to the object?

h1 = 5 cm

u= -20 cm

O F2

f= 10 cm
Given: Solution: 1 10

Object distance (u) = -20 cm 1 1 1 v 200

Object height (h1) = 5 cm v (-20) 10
v 20 cm
Focal length (f) = 10 cm
1 1 1
To find: Image is
v 10 (-20) formed on the
Image distance (v) = ?
Right side of
Image height (h2) = ? 1 1 1 the lens.
Magnification (M) = ? v 10 20
Formula: 1 20 10
1 1 1 v 200
v u f
 h2 v 5 cm -20 cm
Magnification : -5 cm
h1 u O
20 cm
v v
h2 h1 M Image is below the principal
u u axis and is of the same size.
It is real and inverted.
20 -1 20
h2 5 M
(-20) (-20)

h2 -1 5 M -1

h2 -5 cm
2 The focal length of a convex lens is 20 cm.
What is its power?

O F2

f= 20 cm
Given: Solution:
Focal length (f) = 20 cm = 0.2 m
1
To find:
P=
0.2
Power (P) = ? 10 5
P=
Formula: 2 1

P=
1 P= 5 Dioptres
f
EXERCISE
Q-8
1 Doctor has prescribed a lens having power +1.5 D. PYQ
What will be the focal length of the lens?
What is the type of the lens and what must be the defect of vision?

?
Given: Solution:
Power = + 1.5 D f = 0.67 m
1.5 = 1
To find: f Since f is +ve, lens
used is convex.
Focal length (f) = ? 1
f= The defect is
Formula: 1.5 Hypermetropia
(farsightedness)

P=
1 f=
10
15
f
2 0.6666
f=
31
2 5 cm high object is placed at a distance of 25 cm
from a converging lens of focal length 10 cm.
Determine the position, size and type of the image.

h1 = 5 cm

u= -25 cm

O F2

f= 10 cm
 3
Given: Solution: 1 15

Object distance (u) = -25 cm 1 1 1 v 250 50

Object height (h1) = 5 cm v (-25) 10 50 16 .66
v
Focal length (f) = 10 cm
1 1 1 3
1
To find:
v 10 (-25) v 16.67 cm
Image distance (v) = ?
Image height (h2) = ? 1 1 1
v 10 25
Formula:
10
1 1 1 1 25
v 250
v u f
 h2 v 5 cm
Magnification : -25 cm
-3.33 cm
h1 u O 16.67 cm

v
h1 10 3.33 Image is below the principal
h2 h2 -
u 3 axis and of small size.
1
50 It is real and inverted.
3 5 h2 - 3.33 cm
h2
(-25)
10 1
50 5
h2
3 (-25)
-5 -1
3 Three lenses having power 2, 2.5 and 1.7 D are kept touching in a row.
What is the total power of the lens combination?

2.5 D
1.7 D
2D
Given: Solution:
P1 = 2 D
P2 = 2.5 D
Ptotal = 2 + 2.5 + 1.7

P3 = 1.7 D

To find:
Ptotal = 6.2 D

Ptotal = ?
Total Power of
combination is 6.2 D.
Formula:

Ptotal = P1 + P2 + P3
4 An object kept 60 cm from a lens gives a
virtual image of 20 cm in front of the lens.
What is the focal length of the lens?
Is it a converging lens or diverging lens?

u= -60 cm ?
v = -20 cm O
Given: Solution:
Object distance (u) = -60 cm 1 1 1
f - 30 cm
Image distance (v) = -20 cm (-20) (-60) f

To find: Since, f is –ve, Lens

1 -1 1 is concave i.e.
Focal length (f) = ?
f 20 60 diverging lens.
Formula:
1 -60 20
1 1 1
f 60 20
v u f
-1 -2
1 -40
f 60 20
30 1