Two lenses of powers +2.0 D and -2.5 D are combined to make an optical instrument. The combination will
- AOption (a)
act a convex lens
- BOption (b)
act as a concave lens
- COption (c)
act as a simple mirror
- DOption (d)
not form any image
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
act as a concave lens
Why this answer is correct
The Correct answer is act as a concave lens.
Key Points
- The power of a lens indicates its ability to converge or diverge light rays. It is measured in diopters (D).
- The combined power of two lenses is given by the algebraic sum of their individual powers: P = P₁ + P₂.
- For the given lenses, the powers are +2.0 D and -2.5 D. Adding these powers: P = +2.0 - 2.5 = -0.5 D.
- A lens with a negative power acts as a concave lens, which diverges light rays.
- Concave lenses are used for applications such as correcting nearsightedness (myopia) or as part of optical instruments to spread out light rays.
- Thus, the combination of the lenses results in a concave lens due to its negative power.
Additional Information
- act as a convex lens
- A lens with a positive power acts as a convex lens, which converges light rays.
- Convex lenses are used for applications such as correcting farsightedness (hyperopia) or as magnifying glasses.
- In this case, the combined power is negative (-0.5 D), so the combination cannot act as a convex lens.
- act as a simple mirror
- Mirrors reflect light, whereas lenses refract light by bending it. Mirrors do not have powers measured in diopters.
- This option is irrelevant in the context of lens power and combination.
- not form any image
- All lenses, whether convex or concave, form images by refracting light. The nature of the image depends on the type of lens and the position of the object.
- Even a concave lens forms virtual and upright images, so this option is incorrect.