1. What is Image Distance and Magnification?

Image distance (di) is the distance between the lens and the formed image, while magnification (m) describes how much larger or smaller the image is compared to the object. These calculations are fundamental in optics and lens design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the thin lens equations:

Where:

• \( d_i \) — Image distance (m)
• \( d_o \) — Object distance (m)
• \( f \) — Focal length (m)
• \( m \) — Magnification (unitless)

Explanation: The equations describe the relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length for thin lenses.

3. Importance of Image Distance Calculation

Details: Calculating image distance and magnification is essential for designing optical systems, camera lenses, microscopes, and understanding how images are formed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter focal length and object distance in meters. Both values must be positive, and object distance cannot equal focal length (which would create an infinite image distance).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does negative image distance mean?
A: Negative image distance indicates a virtual image formed on the same side of the lens as the object.

Q2: What does magnification less than 1 mean?
A: A magnification less than 1 means the image is smaller than the object (reduced).

Q3: How does focal length affect image distance?
A: Shorter focal lengths produce images closer to the lens for a given object distance.

Q4: Are these equations valid for all lenses?
A: These are thin lens approximations. For thick lenses or complex systems, more advanced calculations are needed.

Q5: What if object distance equals focal length?
A: When do = f, the image distance becomes infinite (parallel rays), and the calculator will show an error.