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Double-convex lenses are to be manufactured from a glass of refractive index 1.55, with both faces of the same radius of curvature. What is the radius of curvature required if the focal length is to be 20 cm?

Asked in GUJCET 2022 · Lens maker's formula and power

Answer: (3) 22 cm

Step-by-step solution

Given: n=1.55, f=20 cm, both faces of the same radius, so R₁=+R and R₂=-R.

Idea: use the lens maker's formula 1/f=(n-1)(1/(R₁)-1/(R₂)).

With R₁=+R and R₂=-R the bracket becomes 2/R.

1/f=(2(n-1))/R, so R=2f(n-1).

R=2× 20× 0.55=22 cm

Both faces are ground to this radius; the two together make the lens twice as strong as one face alone would.

Why the other options are wrong

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