Real Image

Definition

A real image is an image that is formed by the actual convergence of light rays, as opposed to a virtual image where the light rays only appear to converge. Real images can be projected onto a screen and are formed on the opposite side of the lens or mirror from the object.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Real images can be formed by both converging lenses and concave mirrors.
2. The position of the real image relative to the lens or mirror depends on the object distance and the focal length.
3. Real images are always inverted (upside down) compared to the original object.
4. Real images can be used to project images onto a screen or surface, unlike virtual images.
5. The magnification of a real image can be positive or negative, indicating whether the image is larger or smaller than the object.

Review Questions

• Explain the key differences between a real image and a virtual image.
  • The primary difference between a real image and a virtual image is that a real image is formed by the actual convergence of light rays, while a virtual image is formed by the apparent convergence of light rays. Real images can be projected onto a screen and are formed on the opposite side of the lens or mirror from the object, whereas virtual images cannot be projected and are formed on the same side of the lens or mirror as the object. Additionally, real images are always inverted compared to the original object, while virtual images can be upright.
• Describe how the position of the object relative to the lens or mirror affects the formation of a real image.
  • The position of the object relative to the lens or mirror's focal point determines the characteristics of the real image formed. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, a real, inverted, and diminished image will be formed on the opposite side of the lens or mirror. If the object is placed between the focal point and the lens or mirror, a real, inverted, and magnified image will be formed. The closer the object is to the focal point, the greater the magnification of the real image.
• Evaluate the practical applications of real images in various optical devices and systems.
  • Real images have numerous practical applications in optical devices and systems. In cameras, real images are formed on the camera's image sensor, allowing the image to be captured and recorded. In projectors, real images are projected onto a screen, enabling the display of visual information. Telescopes and microscopes also utilize real images, magnifying and projecting them to allow for detailed observation and analysis. Additionally, the formation of real images is crucial in the design and functioning of various optical instruments, such as eyeglasses, binoculars, and compound lenses, which rely on the manipulation of light rays to achieve their intended purposes.

Related terms

Virtual Image: A virtual image is an image that is formed by the apparent convergence of light rays, but the rays do not actually meet. Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen and are formed on the same side of the lens or mirror as the object.

Focal Point: The focal point is the point where light rays converge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a curved mirror. It is the point at which a real image is formed.

Magnification: Magnification is the ratio of the size of the image to the size of the object. Real images can be magnified or demagnified depending on the position of the object relative to the lens or mirror.