Lens Magnification⚠ unverified
Physics / Optics · Lateral magnification of a thin lens
Parameters
| Input | Symbol | Unit | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f | f | m | 0.1 | Focal length |
| u | u | m | 0.3 | Object distance |
| Output | Symbol | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| m | m | — | Magnification |
The science & history
Understanding the Parameters
-
$f$, $u$ — for a real object beyond $f$ on a converging lens, $|m|$ can be > or < 1 depending on $u$.
-
$m$ — negative often means inverted image in Cartesian conventions; check the app’s signs.
Derivation (Approaching a Proof)
Thin-lens equation $1/f = 1/v + 1/u$ (with a chosen sign set) plus $m = -v/u$ eliminates $v$ to give a form equivalent to $m = f/(f-u)$ under the registry’s convention.
History
Magnification is the primary imaging figure of merit for telescopes, microscopes, and cameras.
Related Concepts: Lensmaker's Equation, Lens Power, Mirror Focal Length
Notes: Registry calculator lens-magnification (unverified). Confirm object-distance sign
convention.