Solution
Related Formula
Lens Maker's Formula:
(1)/(f) = (μ - 1) ((1)/(R₁) - (1)/(R₂))where, f = focal length of the lens, μ = refractive index of the material, R₁, R₂ = radii of curvature with standard Cartesian sign convention.
Core Logic
For a thin bi-convex lens, using standard coordinate conventions:
- R₁ = +10~cm (positive since first surface centers to the right of light trajectory),
- R₂ = -15~cm (negative since second surface centers to the left),
- Focal length f = +12~cm.
Step 1: Substituting in the Equation
Substitute the values into Lens Maker's formula:
(1)/(12) = (μ - 1) ((1)/(10) - (1)/(-15)) (1)/(12) = (μ - 1) ((1)/(10) + (1)/(15)) (1)/(12) = (μ - 1) ((3 + 2)/(30)) (1)/(12) = (μ - 1) ((5)/(30)) = (μ - 1) ((1)/(6)) μ - 1 = (6)/(12) = 0.5 μ = 1.5Pattern Recognition
Convex lenses always have opposite signs for R₁ and R₂. The term ((1)/(R₁) - (1)/(R₂)) is additive: ((1)/(|R₁|) + (1)/(|R₂|)).
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments