Diverging Lenses: Ray Diagrams and Object-Image Relations
The Diverging Lens Video Tutorial discusses how diverging lenses refract light and to use such an understanding to construct a ray diagram. The L•O•S•T model is introduced to explain how to describe the image characteristics of diverging lens images. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How do you draw ray diagrams for diverging lenses?
- How do you describe the image characteristics for diverging 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. Open the simulation and tap on the Diverging Lens button at the top of the simulation window to explore diverging lenses.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL10
Most students who are persistent with Minds On Physics and who rely on the Help function when having difficulty will claim that it is a game-changer. This mission pertains to the tracing of rays through a diverging lens and is a good follow up to the first several slides of this video.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL11
Here is a second MOP mission that focuses on image characteristics for diverging lenses. It coordinates well with the last couple of slides of the video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Ray Diagrams for Diverging Lenses
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.Use this page to review ray diagrams for diverging lenses.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Object-Image Relations for Diverging Lenses
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. Use this page to review the image characteristics of diverging lenses.
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. Here's a Think Sheet that covers both ray diagrams and image characteristics for diverging lenses: Ray Diagrams for Diverging Lenses And if you need source documents (Microsoft Word), extended licensing rights, and solutions, consider the purchase of our low-cost Solutions Guide download.
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Optics Bench Simulation
Simulations should never replace lab experiences. But there are some things that simulations can do that lab experiences can't touch ... like show principal rays approaching the lens. Our Optics Bench simulation allows a student to move an object to varying locations in front of a lens (converging or diverging), view the principal rays, and observe the image location and characteristics. Open the simulation and tap on the Diverging Lens button at the top of the simulation window to explore diverging lenses.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL10
Most students who are persistent with Minds On Physics and who rely on the Help function when having difficulty will claim that it is a game-changer. This mission pertains to the tracing of rays through a diverging lens and is a good follow up to the first several slides of this video. Like any MOP mission, they make great in-class follow-ups to coverage of concepts.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL11
Here is a second MOP mission that focuses on image characteristics for diverging lenses. It coordinates well with the last couple of slides of the video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Ray Diagrams for Diverging Lenses
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when a student need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start.Use this page for coverage of ray diagrams for diverging lenses.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 5, Object-Image Relations for Diverging Lenses
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when a student need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. Use this page for coverage of the image characteristics of diverging lenses.
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.