How do convex and concave lenses differ?

How do convex and concave lenses differ?

• A. Convex lenses diverge light rays while concave lenses converge them
• B. Convex lenses reflect light while concave lenses absorb it
• C. Convex lenses converge light rays while concave lenses diverge them
• D. Convex lenses have a thicker edge, while concave lenses have a thinner edge

Answer: (C)

Convex and concave lenses have distinct characteristics in terms of their shape and the way they manipulate light. Convex lenses are thicker in the center than at the edges, which allows them to converge incoming light rays towards a focal point. This makes them useful for applications such as magnifying glasses and eyeglasses for farsightedness. When parallel light rays enter a convex lens, they bend towards the center, concentrating the light and forming an image on the opposite side. In contrast, concave lenses are thicker at the edges than in the center, causing them to diverge incoming light rays. When parallel light rays pass through a concave lens, they spread out as if they are emanating from a focal point that is located on the same side as the light source. This property is beneficial for creating virtual images and is commonly used in glasses for nearsightedness. Thus, the distinction in behavior of light through these lenses—where convex lenses converge and concave lenses diverge—perfectly aligns with the characteristics of lenses, making it clear why this answer accurately represents their differences.

Convex and concave lenses have distinct characteristics in terms of their shape and the way they manipulate light.

Convex lenses are thicker in the center than at the edges, which allows them to converge incoming light rays towards a focal point. This makes them useful for applications such as magnifying glasses and eyeglasses for farsightedness. When parallel light rays enter a convex lens, they bend towards the center, concentrating the light and forming an image on the opposite side.

In contrast, concave lenses are thicker at the edges than in the center, causing them to diverge incoming light rays. When parallel light rays pass through a concave lens, they spread out as if they are emanating from a focal point that is located on the same side as the light source. This property is beneficial for creating virtual images and is commonly used in glasses for nearsightedness.

Thus, the distinction in behavior of light through these lenses—where convex lenses converge and concave lenses diverge—perfectly aligns with the characteristics of lenses, making it clear why this answer accurately represents their differences.