Definition of Magnifying

Magnification is the process of refraction that makes objects appear larger.

Magnifying an object uses the refraction of light through a lens to make the image of the object appear larger or closer to the observer than the object actually is. Simple magnification is produced by a double-convex lens, meaning that both sides of the lens are curved outward.

Refraction

Refraction occurs when light passes through a medium of a different density and slows down. When the light slows, it also changes its path or bends to emerge traveling in a different direction. Light passing through air, into a magnifying glass, and back into air will have a different path than light traveling only through air. The amount of bend imparted to the light is based on the density of the material through which it passes, this is know as the index of refraction.

Magnification

Light refracted through a double convex lens will be bent toward the center of the lens. Light entering the lens straight will bend and exit the lens angled toward the center of the lens, if one then observes the light at or near the point where it converges the object observed appears to be larger or closer to the observer. This phenomenon is known as magnification.

Focusing

Light passing through the lens can be focused to a single point which increases its intensity. When observing the light reflected off an object, the increase in intensity is observed as magnification, but if the focus of a convex lens is applied directly to the light coming from a powerful light source, the light itself can be focused to a tiny, intense spot. Focusing the rays of the sun with a magnifying glass intensify the light's energy sufficiently to light paper on fire.

Applications

Microscopes and telescopes are but two of the many applications of a simple magnifying lens. When combined with mirrors, two or more lenses can provide a powerful magnification tool. The reflection of light off of the mirrors channels the light to the lenses which can be adjusted in their spacing to dramatically increase the magnification over a simple lens by itself.

References

• Florida State University: Simple Magnification
• Georgia State University: HyperPhysics - Simple Magnifier
• Tutor Vista: Magnifying Glass