Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

A real image and a virtual image are different forms of image. The main difference between real and virtual images lies in the way in which they are produced. A real image is formed when rays converge, whereas a virtual image occurs when rays only appear to diverge. Let us look at more differences between real images and virtual images in this article.

Table of Contents

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

To obtain a real image the light source and the screen must be placed on the same plane. Real images are obtained using a converging lens or a concave mirror. The size of the real image depends upon the placement of the object.

A virtual image is an upright image that is achieved where the rays seem to diverge. A virtual image is produced with the help of a diverging lens or a convex mirror. A virtual image is found by tracing real rays that emerge from an optical device backwards to perceived or apparent origins of ray divergences. Because the rays never really converge, a virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen.

 

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image
Real Image Virtual Image
Real images are inverted Virtual images are erect
A real image is always formed by a convex lens. Virtual images can be formed by concave, convex or plane mirrors.
Real images are formed on the screen Virtual images appear to be on the lens or the mirror itself
Real images are always formed by a concave mirror Convex mirror forms a virtual image
Real images are formed due to the actual intersection of light rays Virtual images are formed due to the imaginary intersection of light rays

Therefore, we can say that the difference between real and virtual images is that the real image can be obtained on the screen whereas the virtual image cannot be obtained on the screen.

Ray Diagram of a Real Image

Following is the ray diagram of the real image:

Ray diagram of Real image

Ray Diagram of a Virtual Image

Following is the ray diagram of the virtual image:

Ray diagram of Virtual image

These were some differences between the real image and the virtual image. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.

Every time you look into a mirror, your brain is getting fooled into thinking there is another person on the other side. Watch the video to understand why this happens.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Image formed by lenses: Concave and Convex lens Concave and Convex Lenses:Image Formation

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

Why are real images always inverted?

A real image occurs when the rays converge. A real image is always formed below the principal axis, so these are inverted whereas a virtual image is always formed above the principal axis so these are always erect.
Q2

Are real images always smaller than objects?

No, real images can be either smaller or larger than the object. But real images are always inverted.
Q3

Why is it called a virtual image?

As this type of image is formed due to the imaginary intersection of light rays, it is called a virtual image.

Stay tuned to BYJU’S and Fall in Love with Learning!

Test your knowledge on Real and virtual image differences

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*

  1. Best platform for learning.

  2. If we make the image by extending the rays backward then how we see the image. As it is not really forming an image. By doing extentions mathematically we can make more images of objects which will not make an unique image of the object

    • When the rays are extended backwards, the image obtained is known as the virtual image. The virtual image cannot be obtained on the screen. Also, the characteristics of the virtual image are the opposite of the real image.

  3. This app is very good for learning at home . It is very useful for me . Thank you Byjus

  4. I also use the BYJU’S app. I love the visualization that helps me understand the concepts clearly!
    Thank you BYJU’S!

  5. I love byjus I have premium

  6. nice

  7. Thanks for help