What is meant by power of a lens ? Define its S.I. unit.

Light (10)

What is meant by power of a lens ? Define its S.I. unit.

You have two lenses A and B of focal lengths +10 cm and -10 cm respectively. State the nature and power of each lens. Which of the two lenses will form a virtual and magnified image of an object placed 8 cm from the lens ? Draw a ray diagram to justify your answer. 

Answer

Power of lens: Ability of a lens to converge or diverge the light rays falling on it/ The degree of convergence or divergence of light rays achieved by a lens/ Reciprocal of focal length of the lens. 

1 dioptre - It is the power of a lens whose focal length is 1 metre.

In this case the object will be between the optical centre and principal focus of the lens. Hence the convex lens, i.e., lens A will form virtual and magnified image of the object. 

Exam Year: 2015