What three factors influence the power of a lens?

The power of a lens is indeed influenced by its index of refraction, thickness, and the geometric relationship of its surfaces. The index of refraction is a critical factor because it determines how much the lens bends light, which directly affects its focusing ability. A higher index of refraction indicates that light slows down more significantly when passing through the material, allowing for greater bending and, thus, greater power.

The thickness of the lens also plays a vital role; a thicker lens can bend light more than a thinner one, assuming the same index of refraction and curvature. The relationship of the surfaces, which refers to how the two curved surfaces of the lens interact, dictates the overall curvature shape and focal length, further impacting the lens's power. Together, these three factors establish a lens's ability to converge or diverge light, defining its application and effectiveness in various optical systems.