In the following diagram focal length of convex lens is 20 cm. What is the focal length of concave lens?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 30 cm
Light rays are parallel before entering the convex lens, so:
Convex lens forms image at its focal point
$f_1 = 20 \text{ cm}$
So, rays converge to a point 20 cm to the right of convex lens
Step 1: Distance between lenses
From diagram: distance between lenses $= 5 \text{ cm}$
So, for concave lens:
Object distance $=$ distance of this image from concave lens
$u = 20 - 5 = 15 \text{ cm}$
Since object is on right side of concave lens:
$u = +15 \text{ cm}$
Step 2: Final image position
Final image is 30 cm to the right of concave lens
$v = +30 \text{ cm}$
Step 3: Lens formula
$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u}$
$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{30} - \frac{1}{15}$
$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1 - 2}{30} = \frac{-1}{30}$
$f = -30 \text{ cm}$
Step 4: Interpretation
Negative sign $\rightarrow$ concave lens
Magnitude $= 30 \text{ cm}$