In optics, a concave lens is characterized by which of the following properties?

A concave lens is indeed characterized by the property of diverging light rays. When parallel light rays enter a concave lens, they are refracted outward, making them appear to originate from a point behind the lens known as the virtual focus. This behavior results in the lens creating virtual images that are upright and smaller than the actual object.

The concept of focal length is crucial in understanding how a lens interacts with light. A concave lens has a focal length that is conventionally considered to be negative, as the focal point is on the same side as the light source, contrasting with convex lenses that have a positive focal length since their focal point is on the opposite side.

Therefore, while the given answer includes the correct property regarding how concave lenses diverge light rays, it is also essential to recognize that the negative focal length is part of the defining characteristics of a concave lens, rather than a property that would conflict with the diverging nature of the light rays. Thus, the divergence of light rays is a fundamental behavior associated with the optics of a concave lens.