Spectacle lenses made from polycarbonate ( ) can be manufactured thinner than lenses…

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Geometric Optics · Geometric Optics

Problem

Spectacle lenses made from polycarbonate (n=1.59n = 1.59) can be manufactured thinner than lenses of equal optical power made from crown glass (n=1.52n = 1.52). Explain, in terms of how light bends at the air–lens interface, why a higher-index material allows a thinner lens for the same focal power.

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