Applications of Lenses

Lenses are used whenever light must be focused, spread, magnified, or formed into an image.

A magnifying glass uses a **convex lens*. When an object is placed inside the focal length, the lens produces a: virtual; upright; magnified image.

A camera uses a converging lens system to form a **real image** on a sensor. The lens position or internal lens arrangement is adjusted to focus objects at different distances.

A microscope uses combinations of lenses to produce a greatly magnified image of a small object.

Optical telescopes use lenses or mirrors to collect light from distant objects. Refracting telescopes use lenses.

A projector uses a converging lens to form a real enlarged image on a screen.

Corrective lenses compensate for eye defects. Concave → myopia. Convex → hypermetropia.