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Refraction through a lens — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 10 · Physics

What Refraction through a lens covers in ICSE Class 10 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 10 Physics syllabus.

42 questions36 flashcards5 concepts

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An illustration showing the different types of convex lenses (equi-convex, plano-convex, concavo-convex) and concave lenses (equi-concave, plano-concave, convexo-concave), highlighting their shapes an
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 10 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Refraction through a lens

1

1. Lens and its types

  • A lens is a transparent homogeneous refracting medium bounded by either two curved surfaces or one plane surface and one curved surface.
  • Convex lens is thicker in the middle and thinner at the periphery; it converges light and is also called a converging lens.
  • Concave lens is thinner in the middle and thicker at the periphery; it diverges light and is also called a diverging lens.
2

2. Focal points, focal length, and image behaviour

  • Usually, when focus is mentioned, it means the second focal point.
  • For convex lens, the first focal point is the point from where a divergent beam becomes parallel after refraction.
  • For concave lens, the first focal point is the point at which a convergent beam appears to meet and becomes parallel after refraction.
3

3. Factors affecting focal length and power of a lens

  • Focal length depends on refractive index of lens material and surrounding medium.
  • Focal length depends on radii of curvature of the lens.
  • Focal length is independent of the surface exposed to light, but image intensity depends on surface exposed to light.
4

4. Sign convention, lens formula, and magnification

  • Optical centre is placed at the origin of the coordinate system.
  • Distances measured in the direction of incident light are positive; distances opposite to the direction of incident light are negative.
  • The object is placed on the left of the lens to match the Cartesian sign convention.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Refraction through a lens

LensConvex lensConcave lensOptical centrePrincipal fociFocal lengthImage formationRay rules

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Refraction through a lens for ICSE Class 10 Physics?
Key topics in Refraction through a lens include Lens and its types, Focal points, focal length, and image behaviour, Factors affecting focal length and power of a lens, Sign convention, lens formula, and magnification. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the ICSE Class 10 board exam.
How should I revise Refraction through a lens for the ICSE Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 42 practice questions on Refraction through a lens. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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