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Lenses and ray diagrams - OCR GatewayRay diagrams

What are lenses? In this GCSE physics study guide, you will learn that lenses are precisely shaped pieces of glass that have been developed and used in corrective glasses, telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, and magnifying glasses.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Waves in matter

Ray diagrams

It is important to be able to draw to show the refraction of a wave at a boundary.

To draw a ray diagram:

  1. Draw a ray from the object to the lens that is parallel to the principal axis. Once through the lens, the ray should pass through the principal focus.
  2. Draw a ray which passes from the object through the centre of the lens.

Some ray diagrams may also show a third ray.

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