Optics Fundamentals

Optics is the study of light, its properties, and how it interacts with matter, such as through reflection and refraction.

Lens Formula

For thin lenses, the relationship between object distance (\(u\)), image distance (\(v\)), and focal length (\(f\)) is:

\[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v} \]

A convex lens with \(f = 20 \, \text{cm}\), object at \(u = 30 \, \text{cm}\):

\[ \frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{20} - \frac{1}{30} = \frac{3 - 2}{60} = \frac{1}{60} \]

So, \(v = 60 \, \text{cm}\).

Optics is essential for cameras, telescopes, microscopes, and eyeglasses.