# Calculate the Focal Length of the Lens Used. - Physics

A screen is placed at a distance of 100 cm from an object. The image of the object is formed on the screen by a convex lens for two different locations of the lens separated by 20 cm. Calculate the focal length of the lens used.

#### Solution

The distance between the object and the screen (image) is 100 cm.

Now, for the first position of the lens:

u = u

v = 100 - u

∴ 1/f=1/(100-u)-1/(-u)=1/(100-u)+1/u

Now, for the second position of the lens:

u = u + 20

v = 100 - u - 20

:.1/f=1/(80-u)-1/-(u+20)=1/(80-u)+1/(u+20)

Therefore, from equations (1) and (2), we get

1/(100-u)+1/u=1/(80-u)+1/(u+20)

:.1/(100-u)-1/(80-u)=1/(u+20)-1/u

:.(80-u-100+u)/((100-u)(80-u))=(u-u-20)/(u(u+20))

:.(-20)/((100-u)(80-u))=(-20)/(u(u+20))

∴ u(u+20) = (100-u)(80-u)

∴ u2 + 20u = 8000 - 180u + u2

∴ 200u = 8000

∴  u = 40 cm

∴ v = 100 - u= 100 - 40 = 60 cm

Therefore, from the lens formula

1/f=1/v-1/u=1/60-1/(-40)=1/60+1/40

:.1/f = (2+3)/120=5/120

∴ f = 24 cm

Concept: Lenses
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