Which of the following is used in a magnifying glass?

The correct answer is Convex lens.

Key Points

CONCEPT:

• Magnifying glass: It is an optical instrument used to obtain a magnified image of an object. It consists of a simple convex lens that is housed in a frame along with a handle.
  • When light reflects from an object, it travels parallel to each other.
  • When they pass through a magnifying glass, the convex lens converges the parallel rays and forms an enlarged virtual image on the retina.
  • The converged rays if extended give the impression of a large image formed, this is how magnification occurs.

EXPLANATION:

• A magnifying lens is used to obtain magnified images of an object placed in front of us. This is possible only if we can look at the object through transparent material. Hence, it uses a lens.
• A concave lens is diverging in nature and will not cause image formation on the retina. A convex lens is converging in nature and therefore causes the light rays from the object to converge at the retina. 
• Therefore, a magnifying glass comprises a simple convex lens.