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Q.Derive equation for effective focal length for combination of thin convex lenses in contact & derive equation for net power.

Gujarat GsebGSEB Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2026Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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When two thin convex lenses are placed in contact, the image formed by the first lens acts as the object for the second; working through the thin-lens formula for both in sequence shows their focal-length reciprocals (and hence their powers) simply add.

Consider two thin lenses of focal lengths f1 and f2 placed in contact (negligible separation) on a common axis. An object O is placed at distance u from the combination.

For lens 1 alone, forming an intermediate image I1 at distance v1:

1/v1 - 1/u = 1/f1 ... (i)

This image I1 acts as the object for lens 2 (since the lenses are in contact, the object distance for lens 2 is v1). If the final image forms at distance v (from the combination):

1/v - 1/v1 = 1/f2 ... (ii)

Adding (i) and (ii), the intermediate quantity 1/v1 cancels:

1/v - 1/u = 1/f1 + 1/f2

If the combination behaves as a single thin lens of effective focal length f, by definition:

1/v - 1/u = 1/f

Comparing: 1/f = 1/f1 + 1/f2

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