Rays that pass through a lens very close to the lens axis are more sharply focused than those that are very far from the axis. The inability of a lens to sharply focus off-axis rays is called spherical aberration. This effect helps us to understand why
A) it is easier to read in bright light than in dim light.
B) a moving object is more readily detected than a stationary one.
C) we can see only in black and white in dim light.
D) we become more nearsighted as we grow older.
E) we become more farsighted as we grow older.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spherical aberration causes rays far from the lens axis to focus poorly, but in bright light, the pupil contracts, limiting light to the central part of the lens where focus is sharper, making it easier to read.

Rays That Pass Through a Lens Very Close to the Lens