What Determines the Magnifying Ability of a Lens?

True or False:

The magnifying ability of a lens such as a magnifying glass is determined by its refractive index.

Why does a magnifying glass yield more magnification in air compared to water?

Answer:

The statement is True. The magnifying effect of a lens like a magnifying glass is determined by its refractive index. When used in air, the lens would yield more magnification than when used in water due to the higher difference in refractive indices between glass and air.

The magnifying ability of a lens, such as a magnifying glass, is indeed determined by its refractive index. The refractive index is a measure of how much light speed changes when it enters a substance from another. In our scenario, we are given refractive indices of 1.50 for glass, 1.33 for water, and 1.00 for air.

Since the refractive index of glass is significantly greater than air, a strong diverging effect (i.e., magnifying effect) occurs when light passes from glass to air. This strong magnification is the result of the higher difference in refractive indices between glass and air. On the other hand, when light passes from glass to water, the refractive index difference is lesser, leading to a reduced magnifying effect.

Therefore, a magnifying glass will magnify more when used in air compared to usage in water. The difference in refractive indices plays a crucial role in determining the magnifying ability of the lens in different mediums.