Diverging lens

Definition

A diverging lens, often called a concave lens, is a lens that causes parallel rays of light to spread out (diverge) after passing through it. Diverging lenses have at least one surface that curves inward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diverging lenses are characterized by their negative focal length.
2. They create virtual, upright, and reduced images regardless of the object's position.
3. The principal axis is the line passing through the center of the lens perpendicular to its surfaces.
4. Ray diagrams for diverging lenses typically show three principal rays: one parallel to the principal axis, one towards the focal point on the same side as the object, and one through the center of the lens.
5. The thin lens equation $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$ can be used with $f$ being negative for diverging lenses.

Review Questions

• What type of image does a diverging lens always produce?
• How does a diverging lens affect parallel rays of light?
• What is unique about the focal length of a diverging lens?

Related terms

Converging Lens: A converging lens, or convex lens, focuses parallel rays of light to a single point.

Focal Length:

The distance from the center of a lens to its focal point.

Virtual Image:

An image formed by rays that appear to converge but do not actually meet; it cannot be projected onto a screen.