If an object is placed far away from a convex lens, the image formed is real.

If an object is placed far away from a convex lens, the image formed is real.

• A. Real
• B. Virtual
• C. Upright
• D. Magnified

Answer: (A)

When light from a distant object reaches a convex (converging) lens, the incoming rays are essentially parallel. A converging lens bends these parallel rays so that they cross at the focal point on the opposite side. Because the rays actually intersect in space, the image is real and can be projected onto a screen. In this situation the image sits at the focal plane of the lens and is inverted relative to the object; its magnification is small because the object is effectively at infinity, so the image size is reduced. A virtual image would occur only if the rays did not actually meet (for example, if the object were within the focal length), so the real-image description fits this scenario.

When light from a distant object reaches a convex (converging) lens, the incoming rays are essentially parallel. A converging lens bends these parallel rays so that they cross at the focal point on the opposite side. Because the rays actually intersect in space, the image is real and can be projected onto a screen. In this situation the image sits at the focal plane of the lens and is inverted relative to the object; its magnification is small because the object is effectively at infinity, so the image size is reduced. A virtual image would occur only if the rays did not actually meet (for example, if the object were within the focal length), so the real-image description fits this scenario.