Lenses & Images — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Lenses & Images for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
At a glance
- What StudyVector is
- An exam-practice platform with board-aligned questions, explanations, and adaptive next steps.
- This topic
- Lenses & Images in GCSE Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
- Who it’s for
- Students revising GCSE Physics for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP).
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and feedback on your answers. Free access is 3 days uncapped, then 30 min practice/day. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
Topic has curated content entry with explanation, mistakes, and worked example. [auto-gate:promote; score=70.6]
Recommended next topic
Next step: Wave Properties (GCSE)
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to Wave Properties (GCSE)What is Lenses & Images?
Lenses are curved pieces of glass or plastic that refract light to form an image. There are two main types: converging (convex) lenses, which bring parallel rays of light to a focus, and diverging (concave) lenses, which spread parallel rays of light out. The image formed can be real (can be projected onto a screen) or virtual (cannot be projected).
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Ray diagrams for both types of lenses are a key skill, especially for Higher Tier.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
An object is placed at twice the focal length (2F) from a converging lens. Describe the image formed. Solution: A ray diagram would show that the image is formed at 2F on the other side of the lens. The image is real, inverted, and the same size as the object. This is the setup used in a simple photocopier.
Practise this topic
Jump into adaptive, exam-style questions for Lenses & Images. Free to start; sign in to save progress.
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing converging and diverging lenses. A converging lens is thicker in the middle, while a diverging lens is thinner in the middle.
- 2Incorrectly drawing ray diagrams. You must use the standard rules for drawing rays through lenses to accurately locate the image.
- 3Mixing up the properties of real and virtual images. Real images are inverted and can be formed on a screen. Virtual images are upright and cannot be formed on a screen.
Lenses & Images exam questions
Exam-style questions for Lenses & Images with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
Lenses & Images exam questionsGet help with Lenses & Images
Get a personalised explanation for Lenses & Images from the StudyVector tutor. Ask follow-up questions and work through problems with step-by-step support.
Open tutorFree full access to Lenses & Images
Sign up in 30 seconds to unlock step-by-step explanations, exam-style practice, instant feedback and on-demand coaching — completely free, no card required.
Try a practice question
Unlock Lenses & Images practice questions
Get instant feedback, step-by-step help and exam-style practice — free, no card needed.
Start Free — No Card NeededAlready have an account? Log in
Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Lenses & Images
Core concept
Lenses are curved pieces of glass or plastic that refract light to form an image. There are two main types: converging (convex) lenses, which bring parallel rays of light to a focus, and diverging (co…
Frequently asked questions
What is the focal length of a lens?
The focal length is the distance from the centre of the lens to the principal focus. The principal focus is the point where parallel rays of light are brought to a focus (for a converging lens) or appear to diverge from (for a diverging lens).
How does a magnifying glass work?
A magnifying glass uses a converging lens. When you hold the lens close to an object (closer than the focal length), it produces a magnified, virtual, and upright image.