Lenses and Image Formation
The Image Formation by Lenses Video Tutorial explains what an image is and how it is formed. The presentation relies upon a collection of animated diagrams showing the behavior of light rays passing through a converging and a diverging lens.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How and why does a lens form an image of an object?
- How are real images different than virtual images?
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, Image Formation by Converging Lenses Simulation
You want eye candy? We got eye candy! Here it is. Click that link and be prepared to be amazed.
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Image Formation by Diverging Lenses Simulation
More eye candy for those with a sweet eye. Pretty cool stuff. Tell your friends about it. Don't forget to say "groovy" when you describe it.
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 RL7
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 difference between converging and diverging lenses. It's a good follow up to this video and the one that comes before it in our series.
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 Words), 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:
Lenses
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Image Formation by Converging Lenses Simulation
Here's some eye candy for your students ... or simply a source for an awesome classroom demonstration. Show them what the video is saying.
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Image Formation by Diverging Lenses Simulation
More eye candy for those with a sweet eye. Like the above, this is a great tool for demonstrating the meaning of an image.
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 RL7
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 difference between converging and diverging lenses. It's a good follow up to this video and the one that comes before it in our series.
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.