gen-briefly-explain-real-versus-virtual-images-and-one-common-mi-5c3c

Briefly explain real versus virtual images and one common misconception about it.

# Real vs Virtual Images **Real Image:** - Light rays actually **converge** at the image location - Can be projected onto a screen - Formed on the opposite side of the lens/mirror from the object - Example: Image on a movie screen, camera sensor **Virtual Image:** - Light rays only **appear** to come from the image location (they diverge) - Cannot be projected onto a screen - Formed on the same side as the object - Example: Mirror reflection, magnifying glass image ## Common Misconception **"Virtual images aren't real/don't exist"** Virtual images are absolutely real in the sense that you can see them with your eyes! Your eye's lens converges the diverging rays to form a real image on your retina. The term "virtual" only means the light rays don't physically meet at that location—but the image is just as visible and useful as a real image. Every time you look in a mirror, you're seeing a virtual image.