Physics · Glossary

What is Focal points and focal length?

Also known as: focal point · focal length

Definition 10.2 High School Physics · Chapter 10 — Lenses, Images, and the Eye

Rays arriving parallel to the axis of a converging lens all cross the axis at one point behind it, the image focal point FF'; symmetrically, rays leaving the object focal point FF (in front, with OF=OFOF = OF') exit parallel to the axis. The focal length f=OFf' = \overline{OF'} is positive for a converging lens; through a diverging lens, parallel rays exit as if from a point FF' in front of the lens: f<0f' < 0.

Examples

Example 10.4 (Reading a prescription)

A lens with f=0.50mf' = 0.50\,\mathrm{m} has C=1/0.50=+2.0C = 1/0.50 = +2.0 D: converging. A 4.0-4.0 D prescription means f=0.25mf' = -0.25\,\mathrm{m}: diverging, focal length 25cm25\,\mathrm{cm}.

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