Lenses: How Convex and Concave Shapes Focus Light

  1. A lens works by bending light through refraction, changing its direction as it passes through glass or plastic.
  2. Convex lenses bulge outward and bring parallel light rays together at a focal point.
  3. Concave lenses curve inward and spread light rays apart, making images appear smaller.
  4. Eyeglasses use convex lenses to correct farsightedness and concave lenses for nearsightedness.
  5. Microscopes and telescopes rely on multiple lenses to magnify distant or tiny objects.
  6. Camera lenses adjust focus by moving closer or farther from the sensor to sharpen images.
  7. The distance between a lens and its focal point is called the focal length.
  8. Magnifying glasses are simple convex lenses that enlarge objects by bending light inward.
  9. Concave lenses are key in laser systems, flashlights, and even VR headsets to spread beams.
  10. By shaping light, lenses have revolutionized science, medicine, photography, and everyday vision.