What is the role of a lens in focusing light?

The role of a lens in focusing light is to converge or diverge light rays, which is fundamental to how lenses function in optical applications. A lens is a transparent optical element designed to refract light, bending the path of the rays as they pass through.

When parallel light rays enter a converging lens (like a convex lens), they are bent inward toward a focal point, thus converging. This property is crucial for applications like magnifying glasses, cameras, and corrective eyewear, where focusing light is necessary to form clear images.

Conversely, a diverging lens (like a concave lens) causes parallel light rays to spread out, making them appear to originate from a common point. Both types of lenses play vital roles in various optical systems by controlling the path of light, allowing for the manipulation of images and enhancing vision.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary function of a lens in focusing light. While lenses can cause images to be inverted, this is a secondary effect rather than a primary role. Similarly, absorbing light is not a characteristic of lenses used in most optical applications, as their purpose is to transmit and refract light, not to absorb it. Spreading light rays can occur with diverging