Difference Between Real Image And Virtual Image

Real and virtual images are the two image classifications formed by the reflection or refraction of light rays. The crucial difference between real images and virtual images is that real images form when light rays meet at one point after being reflected or refracted by a mirror, while virtual images form if light rays appear to meet at a near point beyond the mirror. Read the article to learn about real and virtual images and explore the difference between real and virtual images.

Also Explore – Photography Courses

What is a Real Image?

A real image is a type of image formed when light rays converge at a point after being reflected or refracted from a mirror or lens. They are formed at the point where light rays interact with each other. The real images are inverted in nature and can be seen on the screen.

Let us understand this through an example - Suppose an object is placed in front of the concave mirror, and light, after reflecting from that object, hits the surface of the concave mirror. When multiple light rays hit the mirror, following the laws of reflection, the different light rays are reflected again and meet at one point in front of the mirror.

The below diagram represents the formation of a real image:

As we can see here, the light rays are focused at a specific position, and a visible image of that object is formed at that particular position. Note that after converging on a point, the rays deviate from that point.

What is a Virtual Image?

Virtual images only appear formed in a position behind a mirror. However, in reality, the image is not present there. Unlike real images, a virtual image is formed when reflected or refracted light rays are bent. In this case, when light from an object is allowed to hit the mirror and light rays are reflected, the rays appear to diverge somewhere behind the mirror. To be more straightforward, a virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen because it doesn’t exist at a physical location.

A virtual image is created when light rays diverge from a concave lens. A virtual image forms on the left side of the lens.

Real Images vs. Virtual Images

1. Real images form when light rays converge at a point in front of a mirror or lens after reflection or refraction, while virtual images form when light rays diverge after reflection or refraction.
2. The real images appear on the screen, while the virtual images form on the left side of the lens and do not appear on the screen.
3. A real image is created with converging lenses, while a diverging lens is used for virtual image formation.
4. Real images are inverted, whereas virtual images are erect.
5. Real images are formed by concave mirrors or convex lenses, while plane, convex, and concave lenses form virtual images.
6. The front segment of the mirror forms real images, while virtual images are supposed to form behind the mirror.
7. The actual images are formed due to the actual interaction of the actual rays, while virtual images form when light rays interact imaginatively.
8. In real images, light rays diverge from the mirror side after converging, while in virtual images, they are supposed to diverge from a point behind the mirror.

Conclusion

The key difference between real and virtual images is their form and behaviour. The actual convergence of light rays forms real images and can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images result from the apparent divergence of light rays and cannot be projected. Real images are typically inverted, whereas virtual images are upright. Understanding these differences helps us see how lenses and mirrors work and why certain devices produce images we can project while others only allow us to see images directly.