According to Cartesian sign convention.a)Distances measured in the sam...
Cartesian sign convention is used in optics to determine the sign of distances, heights, and focal lengths of lenses and mirrors. This convention is based on the Cartesian coordinate system and has certain rules that need to be followed to determine the sign of different parameters.
The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that distances measured in the same direction as the incident light are taken as positive. Let's understand this rule in more detail.
Rule of Cartesian Sign Convention
The Cartesian sign convention has the following rules:
1. The optical axis is taken as the reference axis, and distances are measured perpendicular to it.
2. The object is always placed on the left side of the lens or mirror, and the image is always formed on the right side.
3. Distances measured in the same direction as the incident light are taken as positive, and distances measured in the opposite direction are taken as negative.
4. Heights measured upwards from the optical axis are taken as positive, and heights measured downwards are taken as negative.
5. Focal length is positive for convex lenses and concave mirrors and negative for concave lenses and convex mirrors.
Explanation
According to the first rule of Cartesian sign convention, the optical axis is taken as the reference axis, and distances are measured perpendicular to it. In the case of a lens or mirror, the optical axis is the line passing through the center of curvature, the principal focus, and the optical center.
Now, when light rays pass through a lens or mirror, they travel in a straight line and may get refracted or reflected. The direction of incident light is taken as the reference direction, and distances measured in the same direction are taken as positive. For example, if an object is placed on the left side of a lens, and the image is formed on the right side, the distance of the object from the lens is taken as positive, and the distance of the image from the lens is also taken as positive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cartesian sign convention is an important concept in optics that helps in determining the sign of different parameters. The rule that distances measured in the same direction as the incident light are taken as positive is an important rule to remember while solving problems related to lenses and mirrors.
According to Cartesian sign convention.a)Distances measured in the sam...
All the distance are measured from the optical centre. The distances measured in the direction of incident rays are positive and all the distances measured in the direction opposite to that of the incident rays are negative. Hence the correct answer is option A.