Physic Labs

Problem 3

A thin converging lens of focal length f=20f=20 cm stands in air. A small luminous object of height H=2.0H=2.0 cm is perpendicular to the principal axis, u=30u=30 cm in front of the lens. Use the convention that a real image has v>0v>0, the lens equation 1/f=1/u+1/v1/f=1/u+1/v, and lateral magnification m=−v/um=-v/u. (a) Find the image distance and height. (b) State whether the image is real or virtual and upright or inverted. (c) The object is moved farther away to u=60u=60 cm; find the new image and describe the size change.
1v=1f−1u=120−130=160 cm−1\frac1v=\frac1f-\frac1u=\frac1{20}-\frac1{30}=\frac1{60}\ \mathrm{cm^{-1}}
problems.proof.analysis

The real object is in front of a converging lens, so both uu and ff are positive under the stated convention. Rearranging the given relation determines the reciprocal image distance.