Lens and imaging equation
Image
Schematic diagram:
The light rays emanating from the object must be collected through a lens to form the points of an image. The imaging equation describes the applicable laws.
English, Spanish (CREA), German
2019-03-21
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What does this mean?
How to reference this medium
At least two of the following rays are needed to construct the image:
• Ray from the object parallel to the optical axis (parallel ray)
• Ray from the object through the focal point of the lens (focal ray)
• Ray from the object through the central point of the lens (central point ray).
The central point ray passes through the lens without changing direction. The parallel ray passes through the focal point on the other side of the lens, and the focal ray becomes the parallel ray.
Note: The imaging equation is also frequently known as the “lens equation."
Information and ideas:
What are lenses needed for?
• Ray from the object parallel to the optical axis (parallel ray)
• Ray from the object through the focal point of the lens (focal ray)
• Ray from the object through the central point of the lens (central point ray).
The central point ray passes through the lens without changing direction. The parallel ray passes through the focal point on the other side of the lens, and the focal ray becomes the parallel ray.
Note: The imaging equation is also frequently known as the “lens equation."
Information and ideas:
What are lenses needed for?
Lens and imaging equation (Interactive)
Illustration
Physics; Technology
Grade 7 to 9; Grade 10 to 13
Middle/high school
Light; Optics; Geometrical optics; Graphics; Light effects; Optics
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