Objectives

• Observe imaging properties of a lens
• Determine a lens focal length using thin lens equation
• Determine magnification and compare to expected

Introduction

The thin lens equation describes the imaging distances of a lens based on its focal length and object position. The linear magnification produced by a lens is defined as the ratio of image/object heights.

Thin lens equation		p - object distance q - image distance f - focal length h - height
Image magnification

The diagram here shows the three principle rays from one point on the object. Two of these rays extend through a focus point and run parallel to the axis on the other side of the lens. The third ray extends un-deviated through the center of the lens.