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Thin lens equation relates object distance, image distance, and focal length. It's fundamental to cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and corrective lenses.

Formule

The calculator applies 1/f = 1/s_o + 1/s_i
f
1/s_o + 1/s_i — 1/s_o + 1/s_i

Guide étape par étape

  1. 1Enter any two of: object distance (s_o), image distance (s_i), or focal length (f)
  2. 2The calculator applies 1/f = 1/s_o + 1/s_i
  3. 3Results show lens behavior and image characteristics

Exemples résolus

Entrée
s_o = 30 cm, f = 10 cm
Résultat
s_i = 15 cm, magnification = 0.5×
Real inverted image

Erreurs courantes à éviter

  • Confusing sign conventions for distances and focal lengths
  • Using lens equations without considering real vs. virtual images

Questions fréquentes

When do you get virtual images?

Virtual images form when the object is closer than the focal point (s_o < f); the image appears upright and magnified.

What's the difference between converging and diverging lenses?

Converging (convex) lenses have positive focal length and form real images; diverging (concave) lenses have negative focal length and only form virtual images.

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Paramètres