9.8 A beam of light converges at a point P. Now a lens is placed in the path of the convergent beam 12cm from P. At what point does the beam converge if the lens is (a) a convex lens of focal length 20cm, and (b) a concave lens of focal length 16cm?

(a)
Hint: Use the lens formula.

Step: Find the position of the final image.
The object is virtual and the image formed is real.
Object distance, u = +12 cm
The focal length of the convex lens, f = +20 cm

Using the  lens  formula:
1f=1v-1u
1v=120+112=3+560
v=608=7.5 cm
So the final image is formed at a distance of 7.5 cm away from the lens on the right side.

(b)
Hint:
Use the lens formula.

Step: Find the position of the final image.
The focal length of the concave lens, f  = -16 cm

Using the lens formula:
1f=1v-1u
1v=-116+112=-3+448
v=481=48 cm
So the final image is formed at a distance of 48 cm away from the lens on the right side.