Question

If an object is placed 21 cm from a converging lens, the image formed is slightly smaller than the object. If the object is placed 19 cm from the lens, the image formed is slightly larger than object. The approximate focal length of the lens is ______.

Options

• 20 cm

• 18 cm

• 10 cm

• 5 cm

Answer 1

If an object is placed 21 cm from a converging lens, the image formed is slightly smaller than the object. If the object is placed 19 cm from the lens, the image formed is slightly larger than object. The approximate focal length of the lens is 10 cm.

Explanation:

We know that a converging lens forms an image of same size as object when object is placed at a distance of 2f from the lens.  It is given that the image is smaller than the object if object is kept at a distance of 21 cm. Similarly, the image is bigger than the object if object is kept at a distance of 19 cm. Therefore, at 20 cm, the distance should be 2f. This means that the focal length is approximately 10 cm.