PET 2026 · Science

Refraction and the convex lens

Connect Snell's law of refraction to how a convex lens forms images

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MINDMAPS FOR UPSCPET 2026 · VISUAL REVISION

Refraction and the convex lens

Connect Snell's law of refraction to how a convex lens forms images

Concept map
Refraction and lens optics
Thin converging lens in air: object at twice the focal length2F₁F₁F₂2F₂ObjectReal, inverted, same sizeIllustration: object at 2F₁ → image at 2F₂
Thin converging lens in air: object at twice the focal lengthSwipe sideways to explore the diagram.

Cause and direction of refraction

  • Refraction is the bending of an oblique light ray when its speed changes across media.
  • Entering an optically denser medium (slower speed), the ray bends toward the normal.
  • Entering a rarer medium, it bends away from the normal; at i = 0°, it goes straight.

Snell's law and refractive index

  • The law of refraction is Snell's law: n₁ sin i = n₂ sin r (angles from the normal).
  • For a given pair of media and wavelength, sin i ÷ sin r is a constant (n₂₁).
  • Absolute refractive index n = c ÷ v compares light speed in vacuum to that in the medium.

Convex lens as a converging lens

  • A usual glass convex lens in air is thicker centrally and converges parallel rays.
  • Refracted rays meet at the principal focus F; optical power P = 1 ÷ f (in metres).
  • Convex lenses have positive focal length (+f) and positive power in dioptres (D).

Magnifying glass vs real images

  • Place the object closer to the lens than its focal length, between the lens and F.
  • The eye traces them back to a virtual, erect and magnified image: a magnifying glass.
  • Beyond the focal distance, a converging lens can form a real inverted image on a screen.
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Practise this concept · संबंधित प्रश्न

One visual, several questions. These links open the original paper at the matching question.

25 Oct · Shift 1 · 2026

25 Oct · Shift 2 · 2026

Sources & study notes · स्रोत

Independent revision material, linked to the paper’s concepts. The question papers and answer-key status are available on OpenPYQ.