Question

Select the correct answer.

What happens to parallel light rays that strike a concave lens?

A. They diverge on refraction
B. They converge beyond the focal point on the other side of the lens
C. They converge at the focal point on the other side of the lens
D. They partially converge and partially diverge

Answer 1

A. They diverge on refraction

Explanation:

• The concave lens has the physical characteristics that both sides are curved inwardly. Due to this physical nature, the lens is thicker towards the outer circumference.
• Due to such physical characteristics of a concave lens, when parallel light rays strike on a concave lens, it is refracted and diverge out from the other side.
• When the diverging rays are traced back, it seems as if the rays are appearing from a point.
• This point is where the rays seem to appear is called the principal focus of the lens.
• Thus the image formed by the concave lens is erect, virtual and diminished.