11/1/22, 6:06 PM The lens power equation - Lenses - Edexcel - GCSE Physics (Single Science) Revision - Edexcel - BBC

E Physics (Single Science) Revision - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize

Lenses
Part of Physics (Single Science) Light and the EM spectrum

Add to My Bitesize

Share

Revise Video Test

Page 3 of 3

The lens power equation

If a lens has a shorter  focal length  it is said to be more powerful. The power of a lens is defined as the  reciprocal  of the focal length. Lens power is
measured in dioptres (D).

Converging ( convex ) lenses have positive focal lengths, so they also have positive power values.

Diverging ( concave ) lenses have negative focal lengths, so they also have negative power values.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zt42srd/revision/3#:~:text=If a lens has a,measured in dioptres (D). 1/2

11/1/22, 6:06 PM The lens power equation - Lenses - Edexcel - GCSE Physics (Single Science) Revision - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize

Example 1

What is the power of a convex lens with a focal length of 25 cm?

First convert focal length into metres: f = 25 cm = 0.25 m

Example 2

A lens has a power of -3.33 dioptres. Calculate the focal length and state what type of lens it is.

Question
A convex lens has a focal length of 5.0 cm. Calculate the power of the lens.

Reveal answer

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zt42srd/revision/3#:~:text=If a lens has a,measured in dioptres (D). 2/2