The correct option is **B. To magnify images by converging light rays**. ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding Convex Lenses**: - A convex lens is a transparent optical device that is thicker in the middle than at the edges. It is also known as a converging lens because it bends (or refracts) light rays that pass through it towards a common point called the focal point. 2. **How Convex Lenses Work**: - When parallel rays of light (such as those coming from a distant object) enter a convex lens, they are refracted towards the focal point on the opposite side of the lens. This convergence of light rays allows the lens to form images. - The distance from the lens to the focal point is known as the focal length. The relationship between the object distance (distance from the object to the lens), the image distance (distance from the lens to the image), and the focal length can be described by the lens formula: \[ \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i} \] where \( f \) is the focal length, \( d_o \) is the object distance, and \( d_i \) is the image distance. 3. **Magnification**: - The magnification \( m \) produced by a lens is given by the formula: \[ m = \frac{h_i}{h_o} = -\frac{d_i}{d_o} \] where \( h_i \) is the height of the image, \( h_o \) is the height of the object, \( d_i \) is the image distance, and \( d_o \) is the object distance. A positive magnification indicates that the image is upright, while a negative magnification indicates that the image is inverted. 4. **Applications**: - Convex lenses are widely used in various optical instruments such as magnifying glasses, cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. In these applications, the primary function is to magnify the image of the object being observed. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: - **A. To disperse light into its constituent colors**: - This option describes the function of a prism, not a convex lens. A prism separates light into its component colors through refraction based on different wavelengths, while a convex lens focuses light to form images. - **C. To absorb light and reduce glare**: - This option is more characteristic of filters or polarizing lenses, which are designed to absorb certain wavelengths of light or reduce reflections. Convex lenses do not absorb light; they refract it to form images. - **D. To reflect light at a specific angle**: - This option describes the function of mirrors, not lenses. Convex lenses do not reflect light; they refract it. The primary function of a lens is to bend light, not to reflect it. ### Common Pitfalls: - Confusing the functions of lenses and mirrors. Remember that lenses refract light, while mirrors reflect light. - Misunderstanding the concept of magnification. It’s important to remember that magnification can be positive (upright image) or negative (inverted image) depending on the position of the object relative to the lens. ### Revision Summary: - A convex lens converges light rays to form images. - Its primary function is to magnify images, making it essential in optical instruments. - The lens formula and magnification formula are key to understanding image formation. - Distinguish between the functions of lenses (refraction) and mirrors (reflection).