1. What is Lens Magnification?

Lens magnification is a measure of how much larger or smaller an image appears compared to the object itself. It's defined as the ratio of the image distance to the object distance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the magnification formula:

Where:

• Image Distance — Distance from lens to image (same units as object distance)
• Object Distance — Distance from lens to object

Explanation: The formula shows that magnification is simply the ratio of how far the image is from the lens compared to how far the object is from the lens.

3. Importance of Magnification Calculation

Details: Calculating magnification is essential in optics for designing lens systems, understanding image formation, and predicting the size of images in cameras, microscopes, and telescopes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both image distance and object distance in the same units (e.g., both in centimeters or both in meters). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a magnification of 1 mean?
A: A magnification of 1 means the image is the same size as the object (neither magnified nor reduced).

Q2: Can magnification be less than 1?
A: Yes, a magnification less than 1 means the image is smaller than the object (reduced).

Q3: What's the difference between linear and angular magnification?
A: This calculator computes linear magnification (size ratio). Angular magnification compares the angles subtended by the image and object.

Q4: How does focal length relate to magnification?
A: For a thin lens, magnification can also be expressed in terms of focal length and object distance.

Q5: What about negative magnification values?
A: Negative values indicate an inverted image, but this calculator shows absolute magnification values.