This memory aid covers Memory Aid within Lenses & Images for GCSE Physics. Revise Lenses & Images in Waves for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aid
Convex vs Concave: Con-VEX = VEXed, it pushes rays inward (converges). Con-CAVE = CAVEd in, it pulls rays outward (diverges).
Real vs Virtual image: REAL rays Really meet. VIRTUAL rays only Virtually (seem to) meet.
Object position → image type (convex lens):
- Object beyond 2F → real, inverted, diminished
- Object at 2F → real, inverted, same size
- Object between F and 2F → real, inverted, magnified
- Object closer than F → virtual, upright, magnified (magnifying glass!)
Practice questions for Lenses & Images
What does a convex (converging) lens do to parallel rays of light?
Explain the difference between a converging lens and a diverging lens. Include what each type does to parallel rays of light.