What characteristic of light rays does a convex lens exploit?

A convex lens exploits the property of light rays to converge. When parallel light rays pass through a convex lens, they are refracted in such a way that they converge to a point called the focal point. This occurs because a convex lens is thicker in the middle than at the edges, causing light rays to bend inward as they pass through.

The convergence of light rays is fundamental in various applications, such as focusing images in cameras, magnifying glasses, and optical instruments. This ability to bring rays together is what allows a convex lens to create real images that can be projected on a surface or to magnify objects, making it a critical component in many optical systems.

The other options like divergence, speed, and absorption do not describe the primary function of a convex lens in the context of light behavior. Instead, they relate to different aspects or effects of light but are not relevant to the operation of a convex lens.