Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

The terms "real image" and "virtual image" refer to two different types of images. The primary distinction between actual and virtual images is the method through which they are created. When rays converge, a true image is generated, whereas when rays just appear to diverge, a virtual image is formed. In this article, we'll look at more differences between virtual images and real images.

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Image in physics:

In optics, a virtual picture is created when an object's outgoing rays always diverge (move apart). A plane mirror creates a virtual image of the person standing behind it. A diffuse reflecting screen can be used to project real images, but it is not required for the image to form.

Image in science:

(Science: microscopy) an image of an object created using radiation, usually with the use of a lens or mirror system. After reflection or refraction, light rays from an object appear to meet at a point, which can be characterized as an image. In the definition, "object" refers to anything that emits light beams.

An image is generated when light is emitted from an object in a variety of directions. Some of these light-reflecting rays reach the mirror's surface and reflect off it according to the principles of reflection.

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Types of images formed:

Virtual image:

VIRTUAL IMAGE IN SIMPLE WORD: In optics, a virtual picture is created when an object's outgoing rays always diverge (move apart). A plane mirror creates a virtual image of the person standing behind it. A diffuse reflecting screen can be used to project real images, but it is not required for the image to form. Now question arises what is real and virtual image?

Define Virtual Image.

A virtual image meaning is a collection of focus points made by the extension of diverging rays, whereas a real image is a collection of focus points generated by converging rays.

The basic difference between real image and virtual image is tracing real photo rays that emerge from an optical device such as a mirror or lens backward to apparent origins of ray divergences creates a virtual image. The dotted lines in the optical system diagram indicate the traditional virtual ray.

A virtual image cannot be made on a screen because the rays do not converge, but a real image can be created on a screen since the rays converge on a real photo point. The image can be seen as if it were a real image projected onto a diffusely reflecting screen.

(Virtual image projection)

(Virtual image seen by the eye)

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Virtual image example: Your reflection in the mirror is the best illustration of a virtual image. Intersecting beams form real images, whilst diverging rays produce virtual images. Virtual images cannot be projected on a screen, although real images can. Two opposing lenses, concave and convex, create real images.

Real image:

Real image in simple word: A true image is one that is created when light rays are directed to a fixed location. On a screen, an actual image can be shown. The image created on a movie screen is the best example of a true image.

What is real image in physics or define real image?
A real image is a collection of focus points generated by converging rays, whereas a virtual image is a collection of focus points formed by the extension of diverging rays.

(Real image seen by the eye)

1. Since the rays do not converge, a virtual image cannot be formed on a screen, but a real image can be created because the rays converge on a real photo point. As if it were a real image projected onto a diffusely reflecting screen, the image can be viewed.
2. A genuine image can be created using concave mirrors and converging lenses, but only if the item is located further away from the mirror/lens than the focus point, and the real image is inverted. The picture will advance towards infinity as the object approaches the focal point, and when the object surpasses the focal point, the image will become virtual and upright. The distance between the object and the lenses is not the same.
3. When light rays intersect at a location after refraction or reflection, it exists, allowing a true image to be projected onto the screen.
4. A convex lens creates one true image, and a concave mirror creates the other.

(real physics image projected on canvas)

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Real image example:
The best example of real image are created by intersecting rays, and virtual images are created by diverging rays.

Difference between Virtual image and Real image:

The above table shows real image and virtual image difference.

Erect image:

The word erect refers to something that is upright or straight. As a result, if an image generated by a mirror or lens is upright, i.e. not inverted, it is considered to be an erect image. A flat mirror, for example, always produces an erect picture.

Erect image in science:

A right-side-up image is referred to as an erect image. The real intersection of rays creates an erect image. It's an image in which the object's directions are the same as the image's.

Inverted image:

When contrasted to the object, an inverted image signifies the image is upside down. An upright image is one in which the directions are the same as those of the object, as opposed to an inverted image. It's the one that appears to be upright.

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