Difference between Convex Lens and Concave Lens
Convex lenses and concave lenses are the two types of lenses. We know that both have the same function to project an image but they have some different features.
The main difference between convex and concave lenses is that convex lenses have a bulge on the outer surface while concave lenses have a dip in their outer surface.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Convex Lens and Concave Lens:
- Convex Lens: Convex lenses are one of the most common optical components used in everyday life. Convex lenses are used to focus light and can be used to make images appear larger than they really are.
- Concave Lens: A concave lens is a lens that curves inward. When light passes through a concave lens, it bends toward the center of the lens. This means that when you look at an object through a concave lens, it appears smaller than it actually is.
Now, let’s move to Convex Lens vs Concave Lens:
Major differences between Convex Lens and Concave Lens
| Convex Lens | Concave Lens |
|---|---|
| It is also known as the Converging Lens | It is also known as Diverging Lens. |
| Convex lenses are typically used for magnification. | Concave lenses are used for focusing light rays. |
| Convex lenses are thicker in the middle than on the edges. | Concave lenses are thicker on the edges than in the middle. |
| Convex lenses focus light onto a single point. | Concave lenses spread out light so that it appears to come from multiple points. |
| Convex lens has positive focal length. | Concave lens has negative focal length. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Convex Lens and Concave Lens”.
Also see:
- Difference between Vanishing Cream and Cold Cream
- Difference between Physiography of India and Physiography of Brazil
- Difference between Distance and Displacement
Final words
We know that both types of lens are used in many aspects of life, so it’s important to know how they work and how they differ.
Concave lens is used to focus light rays into a smaller point, while convex lens is used to spread light rays into a larger point.
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