Question

Differentiate between real and virtual image in brief [5m]

Answer 1

The following are the differences between a real image and virtual image:

1. A real image can be caught on a screen whereas a virtual image cannot be caught on a screen.
2. A real image is always inverted whereas a virtual image is always erect.
3. A real image is formed when the rays of light after reflection or refraction actually meet at some point whereas a virtual image is formed when the rays of light after reflection or refraction appear to meet at a point.
4. A real image is formed by the actual intersection of light rays whereas a virtual image is formed by the imaginary intersection of light rays.
5. A real image can be formed in in a screen but a virtual image can be only seen in the mirror.
6. A real image is formed by only concave mirror however a virtual image can be formed by concave, convex and plane mirror also.