Two convex lenses of focal length 20 cm each are placed coaxially with a separation of 60 cm between them. The image of the distant object formed by the combination is at ____ cm from the first lens.
Answer: 100
Solution
Rays from a distant object reach the first lens parallel to the axis, so the first lens forms an image at its focus, 20cm beyond L1. This image lies 60−20=40cm in front of the second lens and acts as its object, so u=−40cm with f=+20cm. The lens equation v1−u1=f1 gives v1=201−401=401, so v=40cm beyond L2. Measured from the first lens, the final image is at 60+40=100cm.