Difference between Real Image and Virtual Image
Difference between Real Image and Virtual Image

Difference between Real Image and Virtual Image

There are two types of images which are formed by lenses which are as follows real image and virtual image. And there are many types of lenses which are biconvex lens, Plano convex, converging lens, diverging lens, Plano concave and biconcave lens. And the formation of image is different for different lenses.

Real Image

Real image is formed by convex lens which is also known as converging lens. The convex lens converge the rays of light and a real image is formed. Convex lens has thick middle and thinner edges. And the point of formation of lens is called principal focus.

Virtual Image

Virtual image is formed by concave lens which is called diverging lens. This image is formed when rays of light diverge from lens. Concave lens are thick at the edges and thinner at the middle.

Real Image VS Virtual Image

Formation:

Real images are formed by convex lens which converge the rays of light and image is formed.

Concave lens form Virtual Image and the rays do not intersect each other in contrary it is formed by diverging the rays of light.

Uses:

Real images are used in digital camera and projectors so it has vast use.

Virtual images are also formed in the mirror as the rays of light do not actually permit through the image.

Focal Length:

The focal length of real image is positive

The focal length of virtual image is negative.

Formula:

The focal length can be calculated by using formula 1/f=1/d0+1/di. In case of converging lens the f will be greater than zero and di is for image formed at the right side and d0 is for object.

In case of virtual image the f will be less than zero and the di will be image formed at left side on the lens.

Location of image:

Real image is formed on the right side of lens.

Virtual image is located at the left side of the lens.

Reality:

Real image can be attained on monitor.

Virtual Image cannot be obtained on Screen.

Position of Image:

Real images are always overturned.

Virtual Image is always upright.

Examples:

Examples of Real image include images formed eye, digital camera and image formed by projector.

Image on mirror and on Television screen are some examples of virtual image.

Conclusion

Both the real and inverted image are important in daily life as it is evident from the examples which are stated above it shows that the image which are viewed in normal life are of different types. They are formed by convex and concave lens respectively. Both these lens have many practical applications and are beneficial for human beings in many ways.