A real image and a virtual image are different forms of image. The main difference between real and virtual images lies in the way in which they are produced. A real image is formed when rays converge, whereas a virtual image occurs where rays only appear to diverge. Let us look at more differences between real images and virtual images in this article.
Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image
To obtain a real image the light source and the screen must be placed on the same plane. The image is obtained by using a converging lens or a concave mirror. The size of the image depends upon the placement of the object.
The virtual image, on the other hand, is an upright image that can be achieved where the rays seem to diverge but do not converge in reality. This image can be produced with the help of a diverging lens or a convex mirror.
| Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image | |
| Real Image | Virtual Image |
| Real images are inverted | Virtual images are erect |
| Convex lenses form a real image | Concave lenses form a virtual image |
| Real images are formed on the screen | Virtual images appear to be on the lens or the mirror itself |
| Real images are formed by a concave mirror | Plane, convex mirror and concave lens form a virtual image |
| Real images are formed due to the actual intersection of light rays | Virtual images are formed due to the imaginary intersection of light rays |
Therefore, we can say that the difference between real and virtual images is that the real image can be obtained on the screen whereas the virtual image cannot be obtained on the screen.
Following is the ray diagram of real image:
Following is the ray diagram of virtual image:
These were some differences between the real image and virtual image. If you wish to find out more, download CoolGyan’S The Learning App.
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