What is virtual and real image?
Real Images
a real image is an image which is located in the plane of convergence for the light rays that originate from a given object. If a screen is placed in the plane of a real image the image will generally become visible on the screen. Examples of real images include the image seen on a cinema screen (the source being the projector), the image produced on a detector in the rear of a camera, and the image produced on an eyeball retina (the camera and eye focus light through an internal convex lens). In ray diagrams (such as the images on the right), real rays of light are always represented by full, solid lines; perceived or extrapolated rays of light are represented by dashed lines. A real image occurs where rays converge, whereas a virtual image occurs where rays only appear to converge.
Virtual Image
A virtual image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object do not actually meet, but appear to meet when produced backwards. These images cannot be obtained on the screen. The virtual image is always erect. The common example of virtual image is the image formed in the mirror when we stand in front of that mirror.
Differences between Real Images and Virtual Images
S No. Real image Virtual image 1. A real image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object actually meet each other after reflection or refraction. A virtual image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object do not actually meet, but appear to meet when produced backwards. 2. A real image can be obtained on the screen. These images cannot be obtained on the screen. 3. The real image is always inverted. The virtual image is always erect. 4. The common example of real image is the image formed on the cinema screen. The common example of virtual image is the image formed in the mirror when we stand in front of that mirror.
Real Images
a real image is an image which is located in the plane of convergence for the light rays that originate from a given object. If a screen is placed in the plane of a real image the image will generally become visible on the screen. Examples of real images include the image seen on a cinema screen (the source being the projector), the image produced on a detector in the rear of a camera, and the image produced on an eyeball retina (the camera and eye focus light through an internal convex lens). In ray diagrams (such as the images on the right), real rays of light are always represented by full, solid lines; perceived or extrapolated rays of light are represented by dashed lines. A real image occurs where rays converge, whereas a virtual image occurs where rays only appear to converge.
Virtual Image
A virtual image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object do not actually meet, but appear to meet when produced backwards. These images cannot be obtained on the screen. The virtual image is always erect. The common example of virtual image is the image formed in the mirror when we stand in front of that mirror.
Differences between Real Images and Virtual Images
| S No. | Real image | Virtual image |
| 1. | A real image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object actually meet each other after reflection or refraction. | A virtual image is that image which is formed when the light rays coming from an object do not actually meet, but appear to meet when produced backwards. |
| 2. | A real image can be obtained on the screen. | These images cannot be obtained on the screen. |
| 3. | The real image is always inverted. | The virtual image is always erect. |
| 4. | The common example of real image is the image formed on the cinema screen. | The common example of virtual image is the image formed in the mirror when we stand in front of that mirror. |
