Secondary V • 3mo.
With mirrors, what is the difference between an image, a virtual image and a real image?
With mirrors, what is the difference between an image, a virtual image and a real image?
Explanation from Alloprof
This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.
Hi!
First, an image is a reproduction of an object formed by the meeting of different light rays. For example, when you look in a mirror, you see your own image.
A real image is formed when light rays from an object converge at one point.
A virtual image is formed when light rays from an object diverge (but appear to converge when extended graphically). A virtual image can only be seen by looking into a piece of optical equipment such as a mirror or a lens.
A more pragmatic way to determine whether an image is real or virtual is to ask yourself the question: can I place a screen on which the image will appear? If the answer is yes, then the image is real. If the answer is no, then the image is virtual.
To review the characteristics of an image, you can consult the following explanatory sheet : Characteristics of Images (Nature, Size, Height, Position) | Secondary | Alloprof
I hope this helps! :)