GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Diverging Ray Diagrams

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Diverging Ray Diagrams

5:40 Lenses and Ray Diagrams
Spec 4.6.2.5
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  • Concave lenses form images on the same side of the lens.
  • Lenses use specially shaped glass to refract light and form images.
  • Concave lenses cause parallel light rays to refract and diverge, appearing to converge at a point before the lens.
  • The principle axis is a straight line through the middle of the lens; rays traveling along it do not refract.
  • An object on one side of the lens will have its image formed on the same side due to light refraction.
  • The image formed is a virtual image, appearing to originate from a different point than the object.
  • Ray diagrams help determine how light rays pass through a lens and form a virtual image.
  • In exams, the lens and principle axis may already be drawn; recognize the concave lens symbol.
  • Concave lenses curve inwards at the top and bottom.
  • Steps to draw a ray diagram for a concave lens:
  • 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.
  • 3. Mark the virtual focus of the lens.
  • 4. Draw a ray parallel to the principle axis to the lens.
  • 5. Draw the refracted ray so it passes through the focus when extended.
  • 6. Draw an arrow from the principle axis to where the rays converge to represent the image.
  • Understanding this process is crucial for exams, as you may need to draw diagrams for concave or convex lenses.
  • Be aware of the differences between concave and convex lenses to avoid confusion.

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