Question:easy

A double convex lens is made of a certain material. The refractive index of the material of the lens is \(1.55\) for violet rays and \(1.50\) for red rays. If the focal length of the lens is \(20\) cm for violet rays, then the focal length of the lens for red rays is

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For the same lens: \[ f\propto \frac{1}{\mu-1} \] Higher refractive index implies smaller focal length.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \(12\) cm
  • \(18\) cm
  • \(22\) cm
  • \(24\) cm
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What controls a lens focal length.
For one fixed lens the surfaces stay the same, so the only thing that changes with colour is the refractive index. The lens maker formula tells us $\frac{1}{f} = (\mu-1)\left(\frac{1}{R_1}-\frac{1}{R_2}\right)$, and since the bracket is fixed, $f$ behaves like $\frac{1}{\mu-1}$.
Step 2: Turn this into a simple ratio.
Because $f$ is proportional to $\frac{1}{\mu-1}$, two colours of the same lens are linked by $\frac{f_r}{f_v} = \frac{\mu_v-1}{\mu_r-1}$.
Step 3: Note the given numbers.
Violet: $\mu_v=1.55$, $f_v=20$ cm. Red: $\mu_r=1.50$, $f_r=?$
Step 4: Find each bracket value.
$\mu_v-1 = 0.55$ and $\mu_r-1 = 0.50$.
Step 5: Plug into the ratio.
\[ f_r = f_v\cdot\frac{\mu_v-1}{\mu_r-1} = 20\times\frac{0.55}{0.50} \]
Step 6: Do the arithmetic.
$\frac{0.55}{0.50}=1.1$, so $f_r = 20\times 1.1 = 22$ cm. Red light bends less, so its focal length is longer than that of violet, which matches our answer.
\[ \boxed{f_r = 22\ \text{cm}} \]
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