Step 1: Concept
The power of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of its focal length in meters. For a combination of lenses, the total power is the sum of the individual powers of the lenses. The sign of the power indicates whether the lens is convex (positive) or concave (negative).
Step 2: Meaning
In this problem, we need to find the combined power of a convex lens and a concave lens placed in contact with each other. The focal length of the convex lens is $20 \text{ cm}$, which means its power is $\frac{1}{20} \text{ m}^{-1}$. The focal length of the concave lens is $40 \text{ cm}$, meaning its power is $-\frac{1}{40} \text{ m}^{-1}$.
Step 3: Analysis
First, convert the focal lengths to meters:
\[f_1 = 20 \text{ cm} = 0.2 \text{ m}\]
\[f_2 = -40 \text{ cm} = -0.4 \text{ m}\]
The power of a lens is given by $P = \frac{1}{f}$, where $f$ is the focal length in meters.
For the convex lens:
\[P_1 = \frac{1}{0.2} = 5 \text{ D}\]
For the concave lens:
\[P_2 = \frac{1}{-0.4} = -2.5 \text{ D}\]
The total power of the combination is the sum of the individual powers:
\[P_{\text{total}} = P_1 + P_2 = 5 \text{ D} + (-2.5 \text{ D}) = 2.5 \text{ D}\]
Step 4: Conclusion
The combined power of the convex and concave lenses is $+2.5 \text{ D}$.
Final Answer: (D)