1. What is the Lens Formula?

The lens formula relates the focal length of a lens to the distances of the object and the image from the lens. It's fundamental in geometric optics and is used to determine where an image will form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the lens formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Image distance (m)
• \( f \) — Focal length of the lens (m)
• \( u \) — Object distance from lens (m)

Explanation: The formula shows the relationship between these three quantities for thin lenses. A positive image distance indicates a real image, while negative indicates a virtual image.

3. Importance of Image Distance Calculation

Details: Calculating image distance is crucial for designing optical systems, understanding image formation, and predicting whether images will be real or virtual, upright or inverted.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter focal length and object distance in meters. Both values must be non-zero. Remember that for converging lenses, f is positive, and for diverging lenses, f is negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a negative image distance mean?
A: A negative image distance indicates a virtual image formed on the same side of the lens as the object.

Q2: How does focal length affect image distance?
A: For a given object distance, shorter focal lengths produce images closer to the lens, while longer focal lengths produce images farther from the lens.

Q3: What happens when u = f?
A: When the object is at the focal point, the image distance becomes infinite (parallel rays emerge from the lens).

Q4: Can this formula be used for thick lenses?
A: This formula is most accurate for thin lenses. For thick lenses, more complex calculations considering lens thickness are needed.

Q5: What about magnification?
A: Magnification can be calculated separately as m = -v/u, where negative values indicate inverted images.