Which one among the following figures correctly represents the ray dia

Which one among the following figures correctly represents the ray diagram ? (Consider the lens to be thin)

Figure (a)
Figure (b)
Figure (c)
Figure (d)
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
Assuming Figure (a) correctly depicts a standard ray diagram for a thin lens following the rules of refraction, option A is the correct answer.
– Ray diagrams for lenses use standard principal rays to trace the path of light and locate the image formed by the lens. The rules for these rays are based on the lens’s focal points and optical center.
– For a convex (converging) lens: (1) A ray parallel to the principal axis passes through the focal point on the other side after refraction. (2) A ray passing through the optical center goes straight through without deviation. (3) A ray passing through the focal point on the object side becomes parallel to the principal axis after refraction.
– For a concave (diverging) lens: (1) A ray parallel to the principal axis appears to diverge from the focal point on the same side after refraction. (2) A ray passing through the optical center goes straight through without deviation. (3) A ray directed towards the focal point on the other side becomes parallel to the principal axis after refraction.
– A correct ray diagram will accurately show the refraction of light rays according to these rules and the formation of the image where the refracted rays (or their extensions) intersect. Without the actual figures, it is impossible to verify which diagram is correct; this explanation assumes diagram (a) follows the correct physics principles for the lens depicted.
Ray diagrams are a useful tool in geometric optics for visualizing the formation of images by lenses and mirrors and understanding the properties (real/virtual, inverted/erect, magnified/diminished) of the image. Accuracy in drawing the rays according to the rules is crucial.