What type of lens is designed to bring parallel rays of light to a single focal point?

What type of lens is designed to bring parallel rays of light to a single focal point?

• A. Diverging lens
• B. Converging lens
• C. Cylindrical lens
• D. Spherical lens

Answer: (B)

A converging lens is specifically designed to take parallel rays of light and focus them to a single point, known as the focal point. This effect occurs due to the lens's curved surface, which bends light rays inward as they pass through. When parallel light rays enter a converging lens, they are refracted towards the optical axis and converge at the focal point on the opposite side of the lens. In contrast, a diverging lens spreads parallel rays of light outward rather than focusing them. Cylindrical lenses have a specific shape that focuses light in one direction while allowing it to diverge or remain parallel in the perpendicular direction. Spherical lens shapes are common, but the term doesn't inherently specify focusing behavior, as both converging and diverging lenses can have spherical shapes. Thus, the correct answer highlights the primary function of a converging lens in optical applications, crucial for devices such as cameras, magnifying glasses, and eyeglasses, where focusing light effectively is essential for image clarity.

A converging lens is specifically designed to take parallel rays of light and focus them to a single point, known as the focal point. This effect occurs due to the lens's curved surface, which bends light rays inward as they pass through. When parallel light rays enter a converging lens, they are refracted towards the optical axis and converge at the focal point on the opposite side of the lens.

In contrast, a diverging lens spreads parallel rays of light outward rather than focusing them. Cylindrical lenses have a specific shape that focuses light in one direction while allowing it to diverge or remain parallel in the perpendicular direction. Spherical lens shapes are common, but the term doesn't inherently specify focusing behavior, as both converging and diverging lenses can have spherical shapes.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the primary function of a converging lens in optical applications, crucial for devices such as cameras, magnifying glasses, and eyeglasses, where focusing light effectively is essential for image clarity.