PUBLISHED ON: JUNE 21, 2022
Difference Between Real image and Virtual Image
Introduction
When incident rays originate from a specific item, it is referred to be a genuine object. Furthermore, once the light rays emitted by the genuine item are reflected by the mirror and intersect at a certain location, the optically generated copy of the thing is known as an image. Real and virtual pictures are the two sorts of images that are created. The term "real picture" refers to the depiction of an actual object that is created when light beams from a single source converge at a specific (real) location.
The virtual picture, on the other hand, may be defined as an image created by the apparent divergence of light beams from a certain location.
What is a Real Image?
A Real image is a representation of a real thing created at the point where light rays coming from a specific item converge. When the screen is put in the picture plane, it may be acquired on the screen. A practical example of a Real picture is the image created on a movie screen or in a theatre using a projector.
To create a true inverted picture, a concave mirror or a converging lens is employed, with the item placed in front of the lens or mirror, at a distance greater than the focus. The size of the picture may change depending on the object's location, i.e. it can be shrunk or expanded.
What is a Virtual Image?
A virtual picture is defined as an optical image created by the apparent divergence of light rays radiating from a point on an object. As a result, an upright picture is generated at the place where the rays seem to diverge but do not really do so.
To put it another way, the picture generated when light rays reach our eyes and seem to originate from a physical object, although there is no such item present at the apparent light source. The picture formed in a plane mirror is the greatest example of a virtual image.
When contrasted to the real size of the item, a diverging lens or convex mirror is utilised to create a virtual picture that is smaller. When the item lies between the focus and the pole, it may also be made with a converging lens and a concave mirror.
Comparison Table Between Real Image and Virtual Image
| Real Image |
Virtual Image |
- The picture generated by reflection or refraction when light rays originating from an object converge at a precise location is known as a genuine image.
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- A virtual picture is one that is created when light rays coming from an object only seem to hit at one location.
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- A true picture is one that is created when light rays collide at a specific spot after being reflected by a mirror.
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- The picture formed when light rays seem to meet at a fixed location following reflection from the mirror is known as a virtual image.
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- The actual meeting of the light beams creates the true picture. As a result, they may be caught on screen.
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- In the case of a virtual wizard, there is an imagined junction of light beams, hence it cannot be cast on the screen.
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- A genuine picture is a representation of a real thing created at the point where light rays coming from a specific item converge. When the screen is put in the picture plane, it may be acquired on the screen. A practical example of a Real picture is the image created on a movie screen or in a theatre using a projector.
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- A virtual picture is defined as an optical image created by the apparent divergence of light rays radiating from a point on an object. As a result, an upright picture is generated at the place where the rays seem to diverge but do not really do so.
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- To create a true inverted picture, a concave mirror or a converging lens is employed, with the item placed in front of the lens or mirror, at a distance greater than the focus. The size of the picture may change depending on the object's location, i.e. it can be shrunk or expanded.
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- When contrasted to the real size of the item, a diverging lens or convex mirror is utilised to create a virtual picture that is smaller. When the item lies between the focus and the pole, it may also be made with a converging lens and a concave mirror.
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- A concave mirror is used to create a realistic picture.
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- A plane mirror, a convex mirror, and sometimes a concave mirror create virtual pictures.
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Conclusion
The primary distinction between a real picture and a virtual image is that the former can be caught on a screen in the actual world and appears on the same side as the item, but the latter cannot be captured on a screen in the real world and exists on the other side of the mirror.
