Using Diverging Lenses as Magnifying Glasses

Can a diverging lens be used as a magnifying glass?

A) true B) false

Answer:

Contrary to common belief, diverging (or concave) lenses can be used as magnifying glasses when the object is positioned very close to the lens.

A diverging lens can indeed be used as a magnifying glass under specific conditions. While converging lenses are typically associated with magnification, diverging lenses can also create a magnification effect.

When an object is placed very close to a diverging lens, closer than its focal point, the light rays diverge so strongly that the object appears larger when viewed through the lens. This phenomenon causes a magnification effect due to the strong divergence of light rays.

Therefore, the statement that "A diverging lens cannot be used as a magnifying glass" is false. Diverging lenses have the potential to function as magnifying glasses when the conditions are met, offering an alternative use for these types of lenses beyond their common applications.