Q: A converging lens of focal length 5.0 cm is placed in contact with a diverging lens of focal length 10.0 cm Find the combined focal length of the system.
Sol: Here f1 = + 5.0 cm and f2 = -10.0 cm
Therefore, the combined focal length F is given
$\large \frac{1}{F} = \frac{1}{f_1} + \frac{1}{f_2} $
$\large \frac{1}{F} = \frac{1}{5} – \frac{1}{10} = \frac{1}{10}$
F = + 10.0 cm ie. the combination behaves as a converging lens of focal length 10.0 cm.