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Mendeleev · Physics

Optical power and focal length

Optical power is the reciprocal of focal length in metres. A shorter focal length means a larger magnitude of optical power.

Formula usedP = 1/f
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Optical power and focal length

What do the symbols mean?

Poptical power
ffocal length

Two worked examples

Example 1

A converging lens with f′ = 0.50 m has a vergence of +2.0 dioptres.

Example 2

A +5 D lens has a focal length of 0.20 m.

Good to knowSigns matter in geometrical optics: converging lenses have positive optical power and diverging lenses negative optical power.

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