Real Images

Definition

A real image is an image formed by the convergence of light rays in a way that the image can be projected onto a screen or surface. Real images are formed when light rays from an object intersect at a point on the opposite side of a lens or mirror from the object.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Real images can be displayed on a screen or surface, unlike virtual images which cannot be projected.
2. Real images are formed when light rays from an object converge at a point on the opposite side of a lens or mirror from the object.
3. The position and size of a real image depend on the object's distance from the lens or mirror, as well as the lens or mirror's focal length.
4. Concave mirrors and convex lenses are two common optical devices that can form real images.
5. Real images formed by concave mirrors and convex lenses can be either magnified or diminished, depending on the object's position relative to the focal point.

Review Questions

• Explain how a real image is formed by a convex lens.
  • A real image is formed by a convex lens when the object is placed beyond the lens's focal point. In this case, the light rays from the object converge on the opposite side of the lens, creating a real image that can be projected onto a screen or surface. The position and size of the real image depend on the object's distance from the lens and the lens's focal length. Convex lenses can form both magnified and diminished real images, depending on the object's position relative to the focal point.
• Compare and contrast real images and virtual images formed by optical devices.
  • The key difference between real images and virtual images is that real images are formed by the convergence of light rays, while virtual images are formed by the divergence of light rays. Real images can be projected onto a screen or surface, whereas virtual images cannot. Real images are formed by concave mirrors and convex lenses when the object is placed beyond the focal point, while virtual images are formed by convex mirrors and concave lenses when the object is placed within the focal point. Real images can be either magnified or diminished, while virtual images are always magnified.
• Analyze the relationship between the object distance, image distance, and focal length for a real image formed by a convex lens.
  • The relationship between the object distance, image distance, and focal length for a real image formed by a convex lens is described by the lens formula: $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}$, where $f$ is the focal length of the lens, $u$ is the object distance, and $v$ is the image distance. When the object is placed beyond the focal point of the lens, the light rays converge to form a real image on the opposite side of the lens. The position and size of the real image depend on the object's distance from the lens and the lens's focal length, as described by this formula. By understanding and applying this relationship, you can predict the characteristics of the real image formed by a convex lens.

Related terms

Virtual Images:

A virtual image is an image formed by the divergence of light rays, where the image appears to be on the same side of the lens or mirror as the object. Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen.

Concave Mirrors:

Concave mirrors are curved inward and can form real images when an object is placed beyond the mirror's focal point.

Convex Lenses: Convex lenses are thicker at the center than the edges and can form real images when an object is placed beyond the lens's focal point.