Geometric Optics Simulation
Explore how lenses and mirrors form images by adjusting object properties and optical characteristics
Optics Type
Object Properties
Tip: You can also drag the object directly on the canvas
Display Options
Lens/Mirror Equation
The relationship between object distance (d₀), image distance (dᵢ), and focal length (f) is given by:
1/f = 1/d₀ + 1/dᵢ
Where:
- f is the focal length of the lens/mirror
- d₀ is the distance from the object to the lens/mirror
- dᵢ is the distance from the image to the lens/mirror
Magnification
The magnification (M) is the ratio of image height to object height:
M = hᵢ/h₀ = -dᵢ/d₀
Where:
- hᵢ is the image height
- h₀ is the object height
- dᵢ is the image distance
- d₀ is the object distance
Current Measurements
60.0 cm
Image Distance
-20.0 cm
Image Height
-0.50
Magnification
Real
Image Type
Ray Diagram Explanation
The ray diagram shows how light rays from the object interact with the optical element:
- Ray 1 (Blue): Parallel to principal axis, passes through focal point after refraction/reflection
- Ray 2 (Green): Passes through optical center, continues in straight line
- Ray 3 (Orange): Passes through focal point, emerges parallel to principal axis
The intersection of these rays determines the position and size of the image.