Types-of-Lenses

Types of Lenses | How Do Lenses Work

Lenses derive from the Latin word ‘lentil.’ It is a transparent piece made up of glass or plastic with at least one curved surface. There are many types of lenses that make the experience looking within and beyond objects quite an easy task. One can look into microscopic particles invisible to the naked eyes with the telescopes, the projectors forecasts movie unto the screens, and whatnot. Lenses have widened the scope of visibility to a good level. 

How Do Lenses Work?

Lenses work by the phenomenon of refraction. In this process, it bends light rays through it, so they change the direction of the light coming from a particular source. While the forecasting, the rays seem to come closer or further away from the point of origin. That is the reason why an image seems either bigger than or smaller than the usual image. 

Types of Lenses  

Convex Lens

Also called a converging lens.

It allows parallel light rays passing through it bend inward and meet (converge) at a spot called the focal point, beyond the lens.

These are used in the telescopes and binoculars to bring distinct rays of light on the eyes.

Concave Lens

Also called diverging lenses.

Concave lenses make parallel light rays curve outward or diverge.

These are used in TV projectors and mirrors to make light rays spread out into the distance.

Compound Lens

These are the combination of convex and concave lenses or two or simpler lenses are compound ones. 

Differences Between Convex and Concave Lenses 

 

You must have noticed different types of lenses in various objects in day to day life. For example, contact – lenses, telescope, etc. Do you know what the major differences between the different types of lenses and how they are in nature and functions are? Here is a distinction between concave and convex lenses. 

 

Convex vs Concave

 

These lenses are transparent pieces made up of glass or plastic with at least one curved surface. 

There are two main types of lenses – Concave and Convex Lenses.

Here are a few differences between the two types of lenses

Concave lenses are diverging lenses, and convex lenses are converging lens. 

Concave lenses are thick in the middle and thin at the edges, and Convex lenses are thin in the middle and the thick at the edges.

Concave lenses are used in glasses, telescopes, etc. and Convex lenses are used in the camera, magnifying glasses, etc.

Concave lenses have negative focal length, and Convex lenses have a positive focal length. 

Concave lenses form an upright, and virtual image and Convex lenses form an inverted and real image.

If you need any help with related topics, you can get instant physics homework help from the experts at Homework Minutes. Visit us at www.homeworkminutes.com to get instant help.