This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Lenses and Images within Lenses & Images for GCSE Physics. Revise Lenses & Images in Waves for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 14 of 14 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
Topic Summary: Lenses and Images
Key Terms
- Convex: converging, thicker in middle
- Concave: diverging, thinner in middle
- Focal point F: where parallel rays converge
- Real image: rays meet, can project, inverted
- Virtual image: rays appear to meet, upright, cannot project
Image Summary (Convex Lens)
- Beyond 2F → real, inverted, diminished
- At 2F → real, inverted, same size
- Between F and 2F → real, inverted, magnified
- Closer than F → virtual, upright, magnified
Key Equations
- Magnification = image height ÷ object height
- No units for magnification
Exam Tips
- Three characteristics: real/virtual, upright/inverted, magnified/diminished
- Use three rays for ray diagrams (parallel, centre, through F)
- Short-sight → concave; long-sight → convex
- Virtual images CAN be seen, just not projected