Q. A beam of parallel rays is brought to focus by a plano-convex lens. A then concave lens of the same focal length is joined to the first lens. The effect of this is

A) The focus shifts to infinity
B) The focal point shifts towards the lens by a small distance
C) The focal point shifts away from the lens by a small distance
D) The focus remains undisturbed
Explanation

(a) The combined focal length of plano-convex lens
$\frac{1}{F} = \frac{1}{f_{1}} + \frac{1}{f_{2}}$
Given, $f_{1} = \infty(for\ plane\ surface),\ f_{2} = f(say)$
$\therefore\frac{1}{F} = \frac{1}{\infty} + \frac{1}{f}$
$\Longrightarrow F = f$
Now when concave lens of same focal length is joined to first lens , then combined focal length
$\frac{1}{F'} = \frac{1}{F_{1}} + \frac{1}{F_{2}}$
$= \frac{1}{f} - \frac{1}{f}\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (\because F_{1} = f,\ F_{2} = - f)$
$= 0$
$F' = \ \infty$
Thus, the image can be focused on infinity ($\infty$) or focus shifts to infinity.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.