What is the formula for calculating magnification in lenses?

The formula for calculating magnification in lenses is accurately represented as magnification (M) being equal to the height of the image (hi) divided by the height of the object (ho). This relationship is essential in optics, as it helps determine how much larger or smaller the image formed by a lens is compared to the actual object.

In practical terms, when you use a lens to view an object, the resulting image can either be larger or smaller than the object itself. By using the formula, you can quantify that difference. A magnification greater than one indicates that the image is larger than the object, while a magnification less than one means the image is smaller. It is also important to note that the sign of the magnification indicates whether the image is upright or inverted.

Understanding this formula provides a fundamental concept in optics that is used to analyze the behavior of lenses in various applications, such as in microscopes, cameras, and other optical devices.