What is the difference between a converging lens and diverging lens? Explain.
The correct answer and explanation is:
A converging lens and a diverging lens are both types of lenses that bend light rays, but they do so in opposite directions.
A converging lens, also known as a convex lens, is thicker in the center and thinner at the edges. It causes parallel rays of light that pass through it to converge, or come together, at a single point known as the focal point. This type of lens is used in applications such as magnifying glasses, eyeglasses for farsightedness, cameras, and telescopes. The focal length of a converging lens is positive, meaning that it converges light rays to a point on the opposite side of the lens. Converging lenses are capable of forming real and virtual images depending on the object’s distance from the lens.
In contrast, a diverging lens, also known as a concave lens, is thinner in the center and thicker at the edges. It causes parallel rays of light passing through it to diverge, or spread out. The light rays appear to originate from a single point behind the lens, called the virtual focal point. Diverging lenses are used in applications such as eyeglasses for nearsightedness. The focal length of a diverging lens is negative, indicating that the light rays diverge in such a way that they never meet on the opposite side of the lens. Instead, the light rays appear to come from a point behind the lens.
The primary difference between the two lenses is their effect on light rays. A converging lens focuses light rays to a point, while a diverging lens causes them to spread apart. In terms of image formation, converging lenses can form both real and virtual images, whereas diverging lenses always form virtual, upright, and diminished images.