Virtual image facts for kids

Top: The formation of a virtual image using a diverging lens. Bottom: The formation of a virtual image using a convex mirror. In both diagrams, f  is the focal point, O  is the object and I  is the image, shown in grey. Solid blue lines indicate light rays. It can be seen that the light rays appear to emanate from the virtual image but do not actually exist at the position of the virtual image. Thus an image cannot be seen by placing a screen at the position of the virtual image.

In optics, a virtual image is an image formed when the outgoing rays from an object always diverge (move apart). A plane mirror forms a virtual image positioned behind the mirror. Light from the source only exists in front of the mirror. The image in a plane mirror appears to be as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of the mirror.

In contrast, a real image is one that is formed when the outgoing rays form a point converge at a real location.

Because the rays never really converge, a virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen. In contrast, a real image can be projected on the screen as it is formed by rays that converge on a real location.

See also

In Spanish: Imagen virtual para niños