Solution
Related Formula
P = (1)/(f) = (μ - 1)((1)/(R₁) - (1)/(R₂))Core Logic
Equate the magnitudes of the power of the two lenses using the Lens Maker's formula.
Step 1: Power of Biconvex Lens
For a biconvex lens (μ = 1.5), let the front radius be R₁ and back radius be R₂. By sign convention, R₁ > 0 and R₂ < 0.
|PA| = (1.5 - 1)((1)/(R₁) - (1)/(-R₂)) = 0.5 ((1)/(R₁) + (1)/(R₂))Step 2: Power of Plano-Concave Lens
For a plano-concave lens (μ' = 1.7), the flat surface has radius ∞. The curved surface matches the back surface of the biconvex lens, so its radius is R₂.
|PB| = (1.7 - 1)| (1)/(-R₂) - (1)/(∞) | = (0.7)/(R₂)Step 3: Equating Powers
Given |PA| = |PB|:
0.5 ((1)/(R₁) + (1)/(R₂)) = (0.7)/(R₂) (0.5)/(R₁) + (0.5)/(R₂) = (0.7)/(R₂) (0.5)/(R₁) = (0.2)/(R₂)Step 4: Finding the Ratio
(5)/(R₁) = (2)/(R₂) (R₁)/(R₂) = (5)/(2)Pattern Recognition
Matching curvatures means treating the absolute value of the radius as the same variable R₂ across the two equations. Always use magnitude equations when explicitly stated 'magnitudes of power are same'.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments