Curved glass lenses _______light.
a. refract
b. bend
c. magnify
d. both a and b

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of curved glass lenses in optics.
2. Recognize that lenses change the direction of light passing through them.
3. Identify the term used to describe the change in direction of light as it passes through a medium.
4. Consider the options provided: refract, bend, magnify, and both a and b.
5. Determine which options correctly describe the action of lenses on light.

Key Concepts

Refraction

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different density. This phenomenon occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials. Curved glass lenses utilize refraction to change the direction of light rays, allowing them to converge or diverge, which is essential for focusing images.

Bending of Light

The bending of light refers to the change in direction of light waves when they encounter a boundary between two different media. This bending is a result of the change in speed of light in different materials. In the context of lenses, this bending is crucial for manipulating light paths to achieve desired optical effects, such as magnification or image formation.

Magnification

Magnification is the process of enlarging the appearance of an object through optical means, such as lenses. Curved glass lenses can magnify images by bending light rays in such a way that they create a larger image of the object being viewed. This property is particularly important in devices like microscopes and magnifying glasses, where detailed observation is required.