Real Image vs Virtual Image

Real Image

A real image is an image that is formed by the convergence of light rays. It can be projected onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall. Real images are formed by convex lenses and concave mirrors.

Virtual Image

A virtual image is an image that appears to be located behind a mirror or lens, but cannot be projected onto a surface. Virtual images are formed by concave lenses and convex mirrors.

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

In optics, images can be classified into two types: real images and virtual images. Both types of images are formed by the interaction of light with lenses or mirrors, but they have distinct characteristics and applications.

Real Image

• A real image is an image that can be projected onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall.
• It is formed when light rays from an object converge (meet) at a point after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror.
• Real images are always inverted (upside down) compared to the object.
• They can be captured on a camera or projected using a projector.
• Real images are formed by converging light rays.
• They can be formed by both converging lenses and concave mirrors.
• Real images are always located at the focal point of the lens or mirror.
• Real images can be projected onto a screen or viewed directly.

Virtual Image

• A virtual image, on the other hand, cannot be projected onto a surface.
• It is formed when light rays from an object appear to diverge (spread out) after reflecting off a mirror or passing through a lens.
• Virtual images are always upright (right side up) compared to the object.
• They cannot be captured on a camera or projected using a projector.
• Virtual images are formed by diverging light rays.
• They can only be formed by concave lenses and convex mirrors.
• Virtual images are always located behind the lens or mirror.
• Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen but can be viewed directly.

Comparison Table

What is a Real image?

A real image is an image formed by the convergence of light rays after passing through a lens or a mirror. It is a true representation of the object, with the same size, shape, and orientation as the object. Real images can be projected onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall.

Characteristics of Real Images

• Formed by the convergence of light rays: Real images are formed when light rays from an object converge at a point after passing through a lens or a mirror. This is in contrast to virtual images, which are formed by the divergence of light rays and appear to be located behind a lens or a mirror.
• Same size, shape, and orientation as the object: Real images have the same size, shape, and orientation as the object. This is because the light rays from the object converge at a point, which is then projected onto a surface.
• Can be projected onto a surface: Real images can be projected onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall. This is because the light rays from the object converge at a point, which can then be focused onto a surface.

Applications of Real Images

Real images have a wide range of applications, including:

• Photography: Real images are used in photography to capture images of objects. The camera lens focuses the light rays from the object onto the film or digital sensor, creating a real image of the object.
• Projection: Real images are used in projection systems, such as projectors and slide projectors. The projector lens focuses the light rays from the object onto a screen or wall, creating a real image of the object.
• Magnification: Real images can be used to magnify objects. This is done by using a magnifying glass or a microscope. The magnifying glass or microscope lens focuses the light rays from the object onto a point, which is then projected onto a surface.

Real images are an important part of our everyday lives. They are used in a wide range of applications, from photography to projection to magnification. Real images are a true representation of the object, with the same size, shape, and orientation as the object.

What is a Virtual Image?

A virtual image is an image that appears to be located behind a mirror or lens, but cannot be projected onto a screen. It is formed by the convergence of light rays that appear to come from a point behind the mirror or lens. Virtual images are often used in optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes, to magnify objects.

How is a Virtual Image Formed?

Virtual images are formed when light rays from an object converge at a point behind a mirror or lens. This point is called the virtual image point. The light rays then diverge, or spread out, as if they were coming from the virtual image point.

Characteristics of Virtual Images

Virtual images have the following characteristics:

• They appear to be located behind a mirror or lens.
• They cannot be projected onto a screen.
• They are always upright.
• They are magnified compared to the object.

Uses of Virtual Images

Virtual images are used in a variety of optical instruments, including:

• Microscopes: Microscopes use virtual images to magnify small objects.
• Telescopes: Telescopes use virtual images to magnify distant objects.
• Cameras: Cameras use virtual images to focus light on the film or sensor.
• Projectors: Projectors use virtual images to project images onto a screen.

Virtual images are an important part of optics. They are used in a variety of optical instruments to magnify objects, focus light, and project images.

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image FAQs

What is a real image?

A real image is an image that can be projected onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall. Real images are formed when light rays from an object converge at a point after passing through a lens or a mirror.

What is a virtual image?

A virtual image is an image that appears to be located behind a mirror or a lens, but cannot be projected onto a surface. Virtual images are formed when light rays from an object appear to diverge after passing through a lens or a mirror.

How can you tell the difference between a real image and a virtual image?

There are a few ways to tell the difference between a real image and a virtual image:

• Position: Real images are formed in front of a lens or a mirror, while virtual images are formed behind a lens or a mirror.
• Brightness: Real images are brighter than virtual images.
• Size: Real images are the same size as the object they are formed from, while virtual images can be larger or smaller than the object they are formed from.
• Orientation: Real images are inverted, while virtual images are upright.

What are some examples of real images?

Some examples of real images include:

• The image of a person in a mirror
• The image of a tree on a screen
• The image of a candle flame on a wall

What are some examples of virtual images?

Some examples of virtual images include:

• The image of a person in a magnifying glass
• The image of a tree in a telescope
• The image of a candle flame in a concave mirror

Real images and virtual images are two different types of images that can be formed by lenses and mirrors. Real images can be projected onto a surface, while virtual images cannot. There are a few ways to tell the difference between a real image and a virtual image, including the position, brightness, size, and orientation of the image.