Converging Lenses: Ray Diagrams
The Drawing Ray Diagrams for Converging Lenses Video Tutorial reviews the three "rules" of refraction for converging lenses and demonstrates how to use the rules to draw a ray diagram for varying locations along the principal axis of a converging lens.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How do you draw ray diagrams for converging lenses?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Optics Bench Simulation
Sometimes you learn best by playing. And our simulations allow you to do just that. Our Optics Bench simulation allows you to move an object to varying locations in front of a lens (converging or diverging), view the light rays, and observe the image location and characteristics. Play with the simulation, learn, and then follow it up with a Concept Checker on the same topic
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL8
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the tracing of rays through a converging lens and is a good follow up to this video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Image Formation Revisited
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page is a great written version of the video.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Refraction and Lenses
Our Curriculum Corner section of the website includes a large collection of Think Sheets that make great complements to the video. Each Think Sheet focuses on a single concept and is structured to incrementally guide a student through the concept. They make for great follow-ups to the video, good cooperative group activities, and inclusions in any lesson plan. And if you need source documents (Microsoft Word), extended licensing rights, and solutions, consider the purchase of our low-cost Solutions Guide download. Here's a Think Sheet that provides a great fit to the video:
Ray Diagrams for Converging Lenses
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Optics Bench Simulation
Sometimes students learn best by playing ... with Physics, that is. And our simulations allow them to do just that. Our Optics Bench simulation allows a student to move an object to varying locations in front of a lens (converging or diverging), view the light rays, and observe the image location and characteristics. Assign it to your class and then follow it up with a Concept Checker on the same topic.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL8
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the tracing of rays through a converging lens and is a good follow up to this video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Image Formation Revisited
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page is a great written version of the video.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.