In which kind of lens does light diverge?

• A. Convex lens
• B. Concave lens
• C. Plano-convex lens
• D. Biconvex lens

Answer: (B)

Light diverges in a concave lens. A concave lens is designed with a shape that is thinner in the center and thicker at the edges, causing parallel incoming light rays to spread apart or diverge after passing through the lens. This occurs because the curvature of the lens causes the rays to refract outward rather than converge to a focal point, which is characteristic of lenses that cause divergence.

In contrast, a convex lens, which is thicker in the center and thinner at the edges, causes parallel rays of light to converge at a focal point. Similarly, both plano-convex and biconvex lenses are types of convex lenses, meaning they also converge light rather than diverge it. In summary, the unique design of the concave lens is what enables it to diverge light, making it the correct answer in this context.