301. A combination of lenses in contact has \(P_{\text{eq}}=-1.5\,\text{D}\). The combination will behave as
ⓐ. a converging lens of focal length \(+\frac{2}{3}\,m\)
ⓑ. a diverging lens of focal length \(-1.5\,m\)
ⓒ. a converging lens of focal length \(+1.5\,m\)
ⓓ. a diverging lens of focal length \(-\frac{2}{3}\,m\)
Correct Answer: a diverging lens of focal length \(-\frac{2}{3}\,m\)
Explanation: The equivalent power of a lens system in contact is related to equivalent focal length by \(P_{\text{eq}}=\frac{1}{f_{\text{eq}}}\). A negative power means that the system is diverging. Here,
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=-1.5\,\text{D}
\]
Therefore,
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=\frac{1}{P_{\text{eq}}}
\]
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=\frac{1}{-1.5}\,m
\]
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=-\frac{2}{3}\,m
\]
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) the combination is diverging with focal length \(-\frac{2}{3}\,m\).
302. A converging lens of power \(+4\,\text{D}\) is combined in contact with a diverging lens of power \(-1\,\text{D}\). A real object is placed \(60\,cm\) in front of the combination. The image distance is
ⓐ. \(+75\,cm\)
ⓑ. \(+30\,cm\)
ⓒ. \(-75\,cm\)
ⓓ. \(-30\,cm\)
Correct Answer: \(+75\,cm\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Equivalent power:} \)
For thin lenses in contact, powers add algebraically.
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2
\]
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=+4\,\text{D}+(-1\,\text{D})
\]
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=+3\,\text{D}
\]
\( \textbf{Equivalent focal length:} \)
\[
f=\frac{1}{P_{\text{eq}}}=\frac{1}{3}\,m
\]
\[
f=\frac{100}{3}\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Object distance:} \)
\[
u=-60\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Lens formula:} \)
\[
\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{u}
\]
\( \textbf{Substitution:} \)
\[
\frac{3}{100}=\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{-60}
\]
\[
\frac{3}{100}=\frac{1}{v}+\frac{1}{60}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v}=\frac{3}{100}-\frac{1}{60}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v}=\frac{9-5}{300}=\frac{4}{300}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v}=\frac{1}{75}
\]
\[
v=+75\,cm
\]
The positive image distance shows that the real image forms on the refracted side of the lens combination.
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(+75\,cm\).
303. A converging lens of power \(+5\,\text{D}\) is kept in contact with a diverging lens of power \(-2\,\text{D}\). A real object is placed \(50\,cm\) in front of the combination. The image distance is
ⓐ. \(-100\,cm\)
ⓑ. \(+100\,cm\)
ⓒ. \(+200\,cm\)
ⓓ. \(-200\,cm\)
Correct Answer: \(+100\,cm\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Equivalent power first:} \)
The two lenses are in contact, so their powers add:
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2
\]
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=+5\,\text{D}+(-2\,\text{D})=+3\,\text{D}
\]
Therefore the equivalent focal length is
\[
f=\frac{1}{P_{\text{eq}}}=\frac{1}{3}\,m
\]
\[
f=\frac{100}{3}\,cm
\]
The object is real and in front of the lens combination:
\[
u=-50\,cm
\]
Use the thin lens formula:
\[
\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{u}
\]
\[
\frac{3}{100}=\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{-50}
\]
\[
\frac{3}{100}=\frac{1}{v}+\frac{1}{50}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v}=\frac{3}{100}-\frac{2}{100}=\frac{1}{100}
\]
\[
v=+100\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(+100\,cm\), so the image is formed on the far side of the combination.
304. Three thin lenses of powers \(+2\,\text{D}\), \(+3\,\text{D}\), and \(-1\,\text{D}\) are kept in contact. The equivalent focal length is
ⓐ. \(+0.50\,m\)
ⓑ. \(-0.25\,m\)
ⓒ. \(+4.0\,m\)
ⓓ. \(+0.25\,m\)
Correct Answer: \(+0.25\,m\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Given powers:} \)
\[
P_1=+2\,\text{D},\quad P_2=+3\,\text{D},\quad P_3=-1\,\text{D}
\]
For thin lenses in contact,
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2+P_3
\]
Substitute the values:
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=2+3-1
\]
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=+4\,\text{D}
\]
Equivalent focal length is
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=\frac{1}{P_{\text{eq}}}
\]
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=\frac{1}{4}\,m
\]
\[
f_{\text{eq}}=+0.25\,m
\]
The positive sign shows that the combination is converging.
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(+0.25\,m\).
305. A learner adds the focal lengths \(+20\,cm\) and \(-20\,cm\) of two lenses in contact and concludes that the combination has zero focal length. The correction is that one should add
ⓐ. the powers, not the focal lengths
ⓑ. the radii of curvature, not the powers
ⓒ. the object and image distances only
ⓓ. the angles of incidence at both lenses
Correct Answer: the powers, not the focal lengths
Explanation: For thin lenses in contact, the directly additive quantity is power. The relation is \(P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2+\cdots\), not \(f_{\text{eq}}=f_1+f_2+\cdots\). If \(f_1=+20\,cm=+0.20\,m\), then \(P_1=+5\,\text{D}\). If \(f_2=-20\,cm=-0.20\,m\), then \(P_2=-5\,\text{D}\). The equivalent power is \(0\,\text{D}\), so the ideal equivalent focal length is infinite, not zero. Zero focal length would mean infinitely large power, which is the opposite of \(P_{\text{eq}}=0\,\text{D}\).
306. The following records are made for thin lenses kept in contact:
| Row | Lens powers | Equivalent power | Nature |
| P | \(+4\,\text{D}\), \(-1\,\text{D}\) | \(+3\,\text{D}\) | converging |
| Q | \(+2\,\text{D}\), \(-5\,\text{D}\) | \(-3\,\text{D}\) | diverging |
| R | \(+3\,\text{D}\), \(-3\,\text{D}\) | \(0\,\text{D}\) | no net power in ideal model |
| S | \(-2\,\text{D}\), \(-4\,\text{D}\) | \(+6\,\text{D}\) | converging |
The acceptable rows are
ⓐ. P and S only
ⓑ. Q, R, and S only
ⓒ. P, Q, R, and S
ⓓ. P, Q, and R only
Correct Answer: P, Q, and R only
Explanation: Row P is acceptable because \(+4-1=+3\,\text{D}\), giving a converging combination. Row Q is acceptable because \(+2-5=-3\,\text{D}\), giving a diverging combination. Row R is acceptable because equal and opposite powers cancel, giving \(0\,\text{D}\) in the ideal contact model. Row S is not acceptable because \(-2-4=-6\,\text{D}\), so the combination should be diverging, not converging. The sign of equivalent power decides whether the final combination converges or diverges.
307. A spectacle maker wants a lens combination of equivalent power \(+1\,\text{D}\) by keeping a \(+4\,\text{D}\) lens in contact with another lens. The second lens should have power
ⓐ. \(+3\,\text{D}\)
ⓑ. \(-3\,\text{D}\)
ⓒ. \(-5\,\text{D}\)
ⓓ. \(+5\,\text{D}\)
Correct Answer: \(-3\,\text{D}\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Given values:} \)
Required equivalent power is \(P_{\text{eq}}=+1\,\text{D}\).
One lens has power \(P_1=+4\,\text{D}\).
For lenses in contact,
\[
P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2
\]
Substitute:
\[
+1=+4+P_2
\]
Rearranging,
\[
P_2=+1-4
\]
\[
P_2=-3\,\text{D}
\]
A negative power means the second lens must be diverging.
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(-3\,\text{D}\).
308. For two thin lenses separated by a distance \(d\), the equivalent focal length \(F\) is given by
ⓐ. \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}+\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\)
ⓑ. \(F=f_1+f_2+d\)
ⓒ. \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\)
ⓓ. \(F=\frac{f_1f_2}{d}\)
Correct Answer: \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\)
Explanation: When two thin lenses are separated by a finite distance, the separation affects the equivalent focal length. The relation is \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\), with all lengths written in the same unit. If \(d=0\), the formula reduces to the contact-lens relation \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}\). The separation term is not added with a plus sign in the standard relation. This is why separated lenses cannot always be treated as lenses in contact.
309. Two convex lenses of focal lengths \(20\,cm\) and \(30\,cm\) are separated by \(10\,cm\). The equivalent focal length is
ⓐ. \(+12\,cm\)
ⓑ. \(+20\,cm\)
ⓒ. \(+60\,cm\)
ⓓ. \(+15\,cm\)
Correct Answer: \(+15\,cm\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Given data:} \)
\[
f_1=+20\,cm,\quad f_2=+30\,cm,\quad d=10\,cm
\]
For separated thin lenses,
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}
\]
Substitute:
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{20}+\frac{1}{30}-\frac{10}{20\times30}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{3}{60}+\frac{2}{60}-\frac{10}{600}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{5}{60}-\frac{1}{60}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{4}{60}=\frac{1}{15}
\]
\[
F=+15\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(+15\,cm\), larger than the \(+12\,cm\) value that would come from treating the lenses as touching.
310. The same two convex lenses of focal lengths \(20\,cm\) and \(30\,cm\) are compared in two arrangements: in contact and separated by \(10\,cm\). The correct comparison of equivalent focal lengths is
ⓐ. \(15\,cm\) in contact and \(12\,cm\) when separated
ⓑ. \(50\,cm\) in contact and \(60\,cm\) when separated
ⓒ. \(12\,cm\) in contact and \(15\,cm\) when separated
ⓓ. \(10\,cm\) in contact and \(10\,cm\) when separated
Correct Answer: \(12\,cm\) in contact and \(15\,cm\) when separated
Explanation: \( \textbf{Contact case:} \)
\[
\frac{1}{F_c}=\frac{1}{20}+\frac{1}{30}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F_c}=\frac{3+2}{60}=\frac{5}{60}=\frac{1}{12}
\]
\[
F_c=12\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Separated case:} \)
\[
\frac{1}{F_s}=\frac{1}{20}+\frac{1}{30}-\frac{10}{20\times30}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F_s}=\frac{5}{60}-\frac{1}{60}=\frac{4}{60}=\frac{1}{15}
\]
\[
F_s=15\,cm
\]
The separation term reduces the net power for this pair of positive lenses.
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(12\,cm\) in contact and \(15\,cm\) when separated.
311. A convex lens of focal length \(+20\,cm\) and a concave lens of focal length \(-50\,cm\) are separated by \(10\,cm\). The equivalent focal length is
ⓐ. \(-25\,cm\)
ⓑ. \(+50\,cm\)
ⓒ. \(+25\,cm\)
ⓓ. \(-50\,cm\)
Correct Answer: \(+25\,cm\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Given data:} \)
\[
f_1=+20\,cm,\quad f_2=-50\,cm,\quad d=10\,cm
\]
Use the separated-lens relation:
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}
\]
Substitute:
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{20}+\frac{1}{-50}-\frac{10}{20\times(-50)}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{20}-\frac{1}{50}+\frac{10}{1000}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{5}{100}-\frac{2}{100}+\frac{1}{100}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{4}{100}=\frac{1}{25}
\]
\[
F=+25\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(+25\,cm\), so this separated combination is converging.
312. In a two-lens setup, lens \(L_1\) of focal length \(+20\,cm\) forms an image \(60\,cm\) to its right. Lens \(L_2\) is placed \(40\,cm\) to the right of \(L_1\). For lens \(L_2\), the image formed by \(L_1\) acts as
ⓐ. a real object at \(-20\,cm\)
ⓑ. a virtual object at \(-20\,cm\)
ⓒ. a real object at \(+60\,cm\)
ⓓ. a virtual object at \(+20\,cm\)
Correct Answer: a virtual object at \(+20\,cm\)
Explanation: Lens \(L_1\) would form its image \(60\,cm\) to the right of \(L_1\). Lens \(L_2\) is placed \(40\,cm\) to the right of \(L_1\). Therefore the image point due to \(L_1\) lies \(20\,cm\) to the right of \(L_2\). Rays reaching \(L_2\) are still moving left to right and are converging toward that point. For \(L_2\), this point is on the outgoing side of incident light, so it is treated as a virtual object. With the usual sign convention, the object distance for \(L_2\) is \(u_2=+20\,cm\).
313. Continuing the same arrangement, the second lens \(L_2\) is a concave lens of focal length \(-10\,cm\). If its object for calculation is \(u_2=+20\,cm\), the final image distance from \(L_2\) is
ⓐ. \(+20\,cm\)
ⓑ. \(-20\,cm\)
ⓒ. \(-\frac{20}{3}\,cm\)
ⓓ. \(+\frac{20}{3}\,cm\)
Correct Answer: \(-20\,cm\)
Explanation: \( \textbf{Given data for lens } L_2\textbf{:} \)
\[
f_2=-10\,cm
\]
The converging incident rays have a virtual object for \(L_2\):
\[
u_2=+20\,cm
\]
Use the thin lens formula:
\[
\frac{1}{f_2}=\frac{1}{v_2}-\frac{1}{u_2}
\]
Substitute:
\[
\frac{1}{-10}=\frac{1}{v_2}-\frac{1}{+20}
\]
\[
-\frac{1}{10}=\frac{1}{v_2}-\frac{1}{20}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v_2}=-\frac{1}{10}+\frac{1}{20}
\]
\[
\frac{1}{v_2}=-\frac{2}{20}+\frac{1}{20}=-\frac{1}{20}
\]
\[
v_2=-20\,cm
\]
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) \(-20\,cm\), so the final image lies to the left of \(L_2\).
314. For two separated lenses, a virtual object for the second lens can occur when
ⓐ. first-lens image lies beyond the second lens
ⓑ. the first lens forms a virtual image at its focus
ⓒ. the second lens has zero focal length
ⓓ. the distance between lenses is ignored completely
Correct Answer: first-lens image lies beyond the second lens
Explanation: In a separated-lens system, the image formed by the first lens becomes the object for the second lens. If the first lens would form its image at a point beyond the second lens, then the rays arriving at the second lens are converging toward a point on its far side. That point is not a real object from which rays are diverging before reaching the second lens. It is treated as a virtual object for the second lens. This is why object distance for the second lens can become positive even though the original object was real.
315. A formula record for two-lens systems is shown below:
| Row | Situation | Relation |
| P | Thin lenses in contact | \(P_{\text{eq}}=P_1+P_2\) |
| Q | Thin lenses separated by \(d\) | \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\) |
| R | Separated lenses with \(d=0\) | Contact-lens relation is recovered |
| S | Separated lenses | \(F=f_1+f_2-d\) |
The acceptable rows are
ⓐ. P and S only
ⓑ. Q, R, and S only
ⓒ. P, Q, and R only
ⓓ. P, Q, R, and S
Correct Answer: P, Q, and R only
Explanation: Row P is acceptable because powers add directly for thin lenses in contact. Row Q gives the standard relation for two separated thin lenses. Row R is acceptable because putting \(d=0\) removes the separation term and gives the contact formula. Row S is not acceptable because equivalent focal length is not found by subtracting the separation from the sum of focal lengths. The reciprocal relation must be used because optical power, not focal length itself, combines naturally.
316. A graph is drawn for two fixed convex lenses separated by distance \(d\), with \(Y=\frac{1}{F}\) on the vertical axis and \(d\) on the horizontal axis. According to \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\), the graph is
ⓐ. a straight line with negative slope
ⓑ. a straight line with positive slope
ⓒ. a horizontal line for all \(d\)
ⓓ. a parabola opening upward
Correct Answer: a straight line with negative slope
Explanation: \( \textbf{Starting relation:} \)
\[
\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}
\]
For two fixed lenses, \(f_1\) and \(f_2\) are constants.
Let
\[
Y=\frac{1}{F}
\]
Then
\[
Y=\left(\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}\right)-\left(\frac{1}{f_1f_2}\right)d
\]
For two convex lenses, \(f_1f_2\) is positive.
Therefore the coefficient of \(d\) is negative.
\( \textbf{Final answer:} \) a straight line with negative slope.
317. Assertion: Two convex lenses separated by a finite distance generally have a different equivalent focal length from the same two lenses kept in contact.
Reason: The separated-lens formula contains the extra term \(-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\), which vanishes only when \(d=0\).
ⓐ. Both are true, but Reason does not explain Assertion
ⓑ. Assertion is true, but Reason is false
ⓒ. Both are true, and Reason explains Assertion
ⓓ. Assertion is false, but Reason is true
Correct Answer: Both are true, and Reason explains Assertion
Explanation: The assertion is true because separation changes how the first lens prepares the rays before they reach the second lens. The reason is also true because the formula for separated lenses includes the term \(-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\). When \(d=0\), this term becomes zero and the contact relation is recovered. When \(d\neq0\), the equivalent power is generally different from the contact value. The physical separation of lenses is therefore not just a mechanical detail; it changes the optical combination.
318. In a separated-lens calculation, all distances are first written in \(cm\). The safest way to use \(\frac{1}{F}=\frac{1}{f_1}+\frac{1}{f_2}-\frac{d}{f_1f_2}\) is to
ⓐ. keep \(F\), \(f_1\), \(f_2\), and \(d\) all in the same length unit
ⓑ. write \(d\) in \(m\) and \(f_1\), \(f_2\) in \(cm\) without conversion
ⓒ. ignore signs because separation is positive
ⓓ. convert only the final answer to \(\text{dioptre}\)
Correct Answer: keep \(F\), \(f_1\), \(f_2\), and \(d\) all in the same length unit
Explanation: The separated-lens formula contains reciprocal length terms. For dimensional consistency, \(F\), \(f_1\), \(f_2\), and \(d\) must be expressed in one common length unit. If \(f_1\) and \(f_2\) are in \(cm\), then \(d\) should also be in \(cm\) for that calculation. If powers in \(\text{D}\) are used instead, the separation must be in \(m\). Signs of focal lengths should still be kept because convex and concave lenses contribute differently. Mixing \(m\) and \(cm\) inside the same expression changes the numerical value of the separation term.
319. A glass prism differs from a rectangular glass slab mainly because its refracting faces are
ⓐ. always parallel to each other
ⓑ. inclined to each other
ⓒ. silvered on both sides
ⓓ. unable to refract light
Correct Answer: inclined to each other
Explanation: A prism has two plane refracting faces inclined at an angle called the angle of prism \(A\). A rectangular glass slab has parallel refracting faces, so its emergent ray is parallel to the incident ray when the outside medium is the same on both sides. In a prism, the inclined faces make the emergent ray generally deviate from the original direction. This deviation is the central ray-optics effect studied for a prism. The prism works by refraction at its faces, not by silvered reflection.
320. The angle of prism \(A\) is the angle between
ⓐ. the incident ray and emergent ray
ⓑ. the two refracting faces of the prism
ⓒ. the incident ray and first-face normal only
ⓓ. the refracted ray and the base only
Correct Answer: the two refracting faces of the prism
Explanation: The angle of prism \(A\) is a geometrical angle of the prism itself. It is measured between the two refracting faces. It should not be confused with the angle of deviation \(\delta\), which is the angle between the original direction of the incident ray and the final emergent ray. The angle of incidence is measured between the incident ray and the normal at the first face. Keeping these angle names separate is necessary before applying prism relations.