Magnifying Glasses

Convex lenses are used to make a magnifying glass. A convex lens is a lens that is curved outward. A magnifying glass helps make objects appear larger so they are easier to see. This works by allowing light rays to travel parallel to each other in the lens. When the light hits the lens of the magnifying glass, it bends the parallel rays so the meet and create a virtual image. A magnifying glass produces an upright, magnified virtual image. The virtual image produced is on the same side of the lens as the object is. The image appears bigger to your eyes due to the principles of geometry (How does a Magnifyning Glass Make Things Apear Bigger?, 2014). Your eyes then trace the light rays back in parallel lines to the virtual image. This is how the image of the object appears bigger when you look through a magnifying glass.