Difference Between Real and Virtual Image: Definitions, Examples, Diverging and Converging Lens

Difference Between Real and Virtual Image Overview 

A real picture and a virtual image are two types of images. The primary distinction between actual and virtual pictures is how they are created. When rays converge, a genuine picture is generated, but a virtual image is formed when rays merely appear to diverge.

What is an Image?

An image is a visual representation of an item that is placed in front of a mirror or lens. The picture is formed by the collision of light beams that have been reflected or refracted according to their respective rules. It should be emphasized that rays do not always intersect; sometimes they just appear to meet. This also generates photos. Images are categorized as real or virtual based on whether the rays truly meet or merely appear to meet. Because the two sorts of photos are created in distinct ways, there are several distinguishing elements that we will explore in this material.

There are two kinds of images that can be formed-

1. Real Images 
2. Virtual Images

Introduction to Real and Virtual Images

An object is anything that emits light beams. Light emitted from an object in diverse directions creates an image. Some of these light beams reach the mirror's surface and reflect off it according to the principles of reflection.

Difference Between Real and Virtual Image

The following table below shows the difference between virtual and real images-

As a result, we may state that the distinction between real and virtual pictures is that the actual image can be obtained on the screen while the virtual image cannot.

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Real Images and Examples

A true picture is one that is generated when light rays are directed at a fixed location. On a screen, we may see a genuine image. As a result, in order to create a true image, the light source and the screen must be on the same plane. A converging lens or a concave mirror can be used to obtain the picture.

The location of the item determines the size of the image. A true image is generated when light rays interact with one another. Natural visuals are reversed and may be viewed on the screen.

Assume an object is put in front of the concave mirror, and light reflected from it strikes the surface of the concave mirror. When several light rays contact the mirror, the different light rays reflect and meet at a spot in front of the mirror by obeying the principles of reflection. 

Light rays are focused on a certain location, and a visual picture of that item is generated at that location. It is worth noting that after converging at a point, the rays diverge from that point.

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Example of Real Images

The most obvious example of a genuine picture is the image on the movie screen, which is created by projecting an item onto the screen using a projector. This mirrors the picture on the screen, which depicts the thing to be seen with human eyes. The picture is formed on a detector on the back of a camera or on the retina of the eyeball (they focus light through an internal convex lens). 

Virtual Images and Examples

A virtual picture is one that we cannot see on a screen. The virtual picture is an upright image that can be obtained when the rays appear to diverge but do not in actuality converge. We may create a virtual picture using a divergent lens or a convex mirror. When light from an object is permitted to strike the mirror, light beams are reflected from the mirror and appear to diverge somewhere behind the mirror. Because no light reaches behind the mirror, rays appear to meet someplace, but this is only the viewer's impression. 

The screen does not display virtual pictures. The plane mirrors' pictures are uniquely virtual in nature. Another crucial aspect of virtual visuals is that they are not fictitious. As a result, virtual pictures have defined shapes and sizes, and we can see them with our eyes or any optical tool.

Examples of Virtual Images

The finest example of a virtual picture is a reflection in a mirror. Real pictures are created by intersecting beams, and virtual images are created by diverging rays. On-screen genuine images can be projected, whereas virtual images cannot—two convex and concave lenses from the real images.

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Real and Virtual Image Conditions

We know that a true picture is created when numerous light beams converge on one location. A true picture may therefore be created using concave mirrors and converging lenses. However, the following conditions must be met in order for a true picture to be produced-

1. A concave mirror or a converging lens should be utilized as the optical equipment.
2. The item should be maintained distant from the focal point.
3. If the following requirements are met, the resulting image is a true, inverted image. 
4. The picture is virtual, upright, and advances towards infinity if the item is put near or goes past the focus point.

The following conditions are required for virtual images-

1. A convex mirror or diverging lens should be utilized as the optical device.
2. The item must remain at the focus point or at a distance less than the focal point.
3. If the aforementioned parameters are met, the picture created is virtual and erect.

Important distinctions between a Real and a Virtual Image

1. When light rays converge at a spot in front of a mirror or lens after reflection or refraction, real pictures are generated. 
2. When light beams diverge after reflection or refraction, virtual pictures are generated.
3. In contrast to virtual pictures, which never show on the screen, real images do.
4. To provide a true image, convergent lenses are employed.  A diverging lens, on the other hand, is employed to create virtual pictures.
5. In nature, real images are reversed. While virtual pictures appear to be upright.
6. Concave mirrors or convex lenses, in general, produce true pictures. The virtual image-generating surfaces are plane mirrors, convex mirrors, and concave lenses.
7. The mirror's front area creates true pictures. Virtual pictures, on the other hand, are supposed to form behind the mirror.
8. Genuine pictures are created by the interplay of real rays. However, virtual pictures are created when light rays interact in their minds.
9. The light beams depart from the same side of the mirror after converging and generating the real picture in the case of the real image. In the virtual picture, light beams are believed to diverge from a point somewhere behind the mirror.

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Things to Keep in Mind

1. The convergence of light beams produces a genuine picture, whereas the divergence of light rays produces a virtual image.
2. The genuine image can be displayed on the screen, however, the virtual image cannot.
3. A genuine picture is inverted, but a virtual image is upright.
4. A true picture can only be generated by a concave mirror, but a virtual image can be formed by a concave, convex, or flat mirror.
5. Depending on the distance of the item from the mirror or lens, the size of a real picture and a virtual image might be less or greater than the actual thing.
6. A projection lens in a projector is a frequent example of a genuine picture. A side mirror in a vehicle is an example of a virtual picture.

Sample Questions on Real and Virtual Images

Q.1 How does the true picture created by the projector avoid being inverted? 

Q.2 Why are real-world photographs usually inverted? 

Q.3 Is it true that genuine pictures are always smaller than real objects?

Q.4 Why does a movie projector not produce reversed genuine images?

Q.5 Provide some samples of real-life photographs. 

Q.6 Describe three contrasts between actual and virtual visuals. 

Q.7 What is the difference between actual and virtual images?

Q.8 Why can't we see virtual graphics on the screen?