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What is the focal length of the combination of a convex lens of focal length 20 cm in contact with a concave lens of focal length 10 cm?

Asked in GSEB Board July 2023 · Combinations and silvered lenses

Answer: (2) -20 cm

Step-by-step solution

Given: a convex lens of f₁=+20 cm in contact with a concave lens of f₂=-10 cm.

Idea: lenses in contact add their powers, 1/F=1/(f₁)+1/(f₂), and a concave lens carries a negative focal length.

1/F=1/(20)+1/(-10)=(1-2)/(20)=-1/(20)

F=-20 cm

The concave lens is the stronger of the two — 10 D against 5 D — so the pair diverges, and the negative sign says so.

Why the other options are wrong

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