GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Converging Ray Diagrams

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Converging Ray Diagrams

6:05 Lenses and Ray Diagrams
Spec 4.6.2.5
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  • Convex lenses are used to form images on the opposite side of the lens.
  • A convex lens is a glass device that causes light rays to refract and converge after passing through it.
  • The principle axis is a straight line through the middle of the lens along which light rays won't refract.
  • Images are formed by the refraction of light from an object through the lens.
  • Ray diagrams are used to determine how light rays from an object pass through a lens and converge to form an image.
  • In exams, you may need to draw a ray diagram from scratch, usually given a lens and its principle axis.
  • The convex lens symbol used in diagrams helps simplify drawing the rays.
  • Steps to draw a ray diagram:
  • 1. Draw an arrow from the principle axis to represent the object.
  • 2. Draw a ray from the top of the object through the center of the lens; this ray will not change direction after passing through the lens.
  • 3. Mark the principle focus of the lens where all rays parallel to the principle axis converge.
  • 4. Draw a ray parallel to the principle axis to the lens, then through the focus.
  • 5. Mark the other focus of the lens, which should be symmetrical to the first.
  • 6. Draw a ray through this second focus and then parallel to the principle axis after passing through the lens.
  • 7. Draw an arrow from the principle axis where the rays converge to represent the image.
  • The image is represented as an arrow indicating its position and extent below the principle axis.
  • Understanding this process is crucial for answering exam questions about lenses, which typically involve constructing or completing a ray diagram.

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