LIGHT AND LENSES by Ms. Mendoza 5th Grade Lincoln Elementary

WHAT HAPPENS TO LIGHT? When light strikes an object, two things can happen: Reflection Refraction

REFLECTION Reflection occurs when light bounces off objects.  How much reflection depends upon how even the surface is.  If the surface is rough, the light scatters.  If the surface is smooth and flat, the light will bounce off it at equal angles.  That is why a flat mirror reflects a good likeness of the object being reflected. Click above

REFRACTION Refraction occurs because light bends. Click for more information on refraction

How does this relate to lenses? A lens is a device that bends light. A lens is a piece of transparent material. If it is transparent, you can see through it. It is usually made of glass and has at least one curved surface. There are two types of lenses: Concave Convex Click the picture above for more information about lenses.

Concave and Convex Lenses Look at the convex and concave lenses below:

The curved surface/surfaces of a lens bends the light.  Notice the paths of light of the convex and concave lenses shown below.

Convex Lenses A convex lens is thicker in the middle. A convex lens bends light rays so that they meet at a focal point. This means that the Light rays are converging.

Concave Lens A concave lens is thinner in the middle. A concave lens bends light rays to make them spread out. This means that the light rays are diverging.

Answer the questions about reflection and refraction 1. _____________ occurs when light bounces off an object. 2. _____________ occurs when light is bent. 3. When light strikes a surface that is rough, the light will ______________ . 4. When light strikes a surface that is smooth, the light will bounce off at equal ______ . 5. What type of material is a lens? a. transparent b. translucent c. opaque   6. The path of light through a concave lens is a. not directed to a single focal point b. directed to a single focal point 7.The path of light through a convex lens is