How to Draw Ray Diagrams

This lesson covers:

  1. How to draw ray diagrams for concave and convex lenses
Ray diagram showing light rays passing through a concave lens with an object and virtual image.

The above diagram is a ray diagram for a concave lens.

The image in the diagram is:

Virtual

Real

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The image in the diagram is:

Upright

Inverted

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The image in the diagram is:

Smaller than the object

Larger than the object

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Diagram showing light rays passing through a lens, including a horizontal light ray, a diagonal light ray through the centre, and a refracted light ray.

When drawing a ray diagram you need to draw two light rays coming from the top of the object and passing through the lens. 


Match the sections of light rays A to C on the diagram above, to the following descriptions:

'A horizontal light ray from the top of the object, to the lens.'

A

B

C

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'A diagonal light ray travelling from the top of the object, though the centre of the lens.'

A

B

C

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'A light ray that has been refracted by the lens at an angle.'

A

B

C

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Using your own pen and paper, complete the ray diagram below.


When you're ready to check your drawing, press 'Continue'.

Ray diagram showing object, axis, and focal points.

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Ray diagram for a convex lens showing the object and the resulting image.

The above diagram is a ray diagram for a convex lens.


Please state whether the image is:


'Real' or 'virtual': 

'Upright' or 'inverted': 

'Bigger' or 'smaller':

Real
Inverted
Smaller

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Practice drawing your own ray diagram on a piece of paper.


The lens is a convex lens and the object is an upright arrow that is more than double the focal length from the lens.


When you're ready to check your drawing, press 'Continue'.

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