Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

Q: The difference between Virtual image and Real image.

Virtual image Real image The lens itself appears to have virtual images on it. On screen, real visuals is created. On flipside of the mirror, a virtual picture appeared. On same side of item, an actual image is produced. The hypothetical meeting of light beams creates virtual images. The actual meeting of light beams creates real images. The virtual images is raised. Images in real life are inverted.

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:28 PM IST

The terms "real image" and "virtual image" refer to two different types of images. The primary distinction between actual and virtual images is the method through which they are created. When rays converge, a true image is generated, whereas when rays just appear to diverge, a virtual image is formed. In this article, we'll look at more differences between virtual images and real images.

Difference Between Real Image and Virtual Image

Image in physics:

In optics, a virtual picture is created when an object's outgoing rays always diverge (move apart). A plane mirror creates a virtual image of the person standing behind it. A diffuse reflecting screen can be used to project real images, but it is not required for the image to form.

Image in science:

(Science: microscopy) an image of an object created using radiation, usually with the use of a lens or mirror system. After reflection or refraction, light rays from an object appear to meet at a point, which can be characterized as an image. In the definition, "object" refers to anything that emits light beams.

An image is generated when light is emitted from an object in a variety of directions. Some of these light-reflecting rays reach the mirror's surface and reflect off it according to the principles of reflection.

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Types of images formed:

Virtual image:

VIRTUAL IMAGE IN SIMPLE WORD: In optics, a virtual picture is created when an object's outgoing rays always diverge (move apart). A plane mirror creates a virtual image of the person standing behind it. A diffuse reflecting screen can be used to project real images, but it is not required for the image to form. Now question arises what is a real and virtual image?

Define Virtual Image

A virtual image meaning is a collection of focus points made by the extension of diverging rays, whereas a real image is a collection of focus points generated by converging rays.

The basic difference between real image and virtual image is tracing real photo rays that emerge from an optical device such as a mirror or lens backward to apparent origins of ray divergences creates a virtual image. The dotted lines in the optical system diagram indicate the traditional virtual ray.

A virtual image cannot be made on a screen because the rays do not converge, but a real image can be created on a screen since the rays converge on a real photo point. The image can be seen as if it were a real image projected onto a diffusely reflecting screen.

Virtual image projection

Virtual image seen by eye

(Virtual image seen by the eye)

Virtual image example: Your reflection in the mirror is the best illustration of a virtual image. Intersecting beams form real images, whilst diverging rays produce virtual images. Virtual images cannot be projected on a screen, although real images can. Two opposing lenses, concave and convex, create real images.

Virtual image example

Real image:

Real image in simple words: A true image is one that is created when light rays are directed to a fixed location. On a screen, an actual image can be shown. The image created on a movie screen is the best example of a true image.

Related Topics,

What is real image in physics or define real image?
A real image is a collection of focus points generated by converging rays, whereas a virtual image is a collection of focus points formed by the extension of diverging rays.

Real image seen by eye

(Real image seen by the eye)

Since the rays do not converge, a virtual image cannot be formed on a screen, but a real image can be created because the rays converge on a real photo point. As if it were a real image projected onto a diffusely reflecting screen, the image can be viewed.
A genuine image can be created using concave mirrors and converging lenses, but only if the item is located further away from the mirror/lens than the focus point, and the real image is inverted. The picture will advance toward infinity as the object approaches the focal point, and when the object surpasses the focal point, the image will become virtual and upright. The distance between the object and the lenses is not the same.
When light rays intersect at a location after refraction or reflection, they exist, allowing a true image to be projected onto the screen.
A convex lens creates one true image, and a concave mirror creates the other.

image projected on canvas

(real physics image projected on canvas)

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Real image example:
The best examples of real images are created by intersecting rays, and virtual images are created by diverging rays.

real image example

Difference between Virtual image and Real image:

Virtual image	Real image
A virtual picture is an image generated when rays appear to meet at a specific spot following reflection from a mirror.	A genuine image is one that is generated when light rays converge at a certain spot after refraction and reflection.
It's impossible to capture on screen because it's an imaginary light intersection.	A true image can be captured on screen as the consequence of the actual intersection of a beam of light.
The resulting images are erect or upright.	The resulting photos are reversed.
A lens that converges.	It creates a true-to-life image, A lens with a divergent focus.

The above table shows a real image and the virtual image differences.

Erect image:

The word erect refers to something that is upright or straight. As a result, if an image generated by a mirror or lens is upright, i.e. not inverted, it is considered to be an erect image. A flat mirror, for example, always produces an erect picture.

Erect image in science:

A right-side-up image is referred to as an erect image. The real intersection of rays creates an erect image. It's an image in which the object's directions are the same as the image's.

Inverted image:

When contrasted to the object, an inverted image signifies the image is upside down. An upright image is one in which the directions are the same as those of the object, as opposed to an inverted image. It's the one that appears to be upright.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. The difference between Virtual image and Real image.

Virtual image	Real image
The lens itself appears to have virtual images on it.	On screen, real visuals is created.
On flipside of the mirror, a virtual picture appeared.	On same side of item, an actual image is produced.
The hypothetical meeting of light beams creates virtual images.	The actual meeting of light beams creates real images.
The virtual images is raised.	Images in real life are inverted.

2. What is virtual image give one example of virtual image?

Virtual image: The image behind the mirror cannot be projected onto a screen and the rays only appear to emanate from a single point behind the mirror, it is referred to as a virtual image. Example: The best example of a virtual picture is reflection in a mirror.

3. What is real image give one example of real image?

Real image: A Real image is created when an image is formed on a screen using a mirror. Example: convergent lens creates a genuine/real image

4. Knowing that virtual images do not display on screens, how can we see our own reflections in a plane mirror?

Virtual visuals are unlike anything else. Any image generated behind the mirror is merely our thoughts perspective. And anything we see in the mirror is a virtual image since virtual images can only be created in a mirror, whereas actual images are created by placing a screen in front of the mirror.

5. Is it possible to create a virtual image on a screen?

Since the image made is from light rays that do not meet but appear to meet when produced backwards, virtual images cannot be obtained on the screen. The image that is obtained is always upright.

6. Write down all the characteristics of a virtual image.

Only via the use of lenses can a virtual image be viewed.
The image appears to be coming from the back of the camera.
It's possible that it's bigger than the thing.
It is not possible to project it onto a screen.
It is always in the upright position.

7. What is the fundamental difference between a real image and a virtual image?

The fundamental difference is that a real image is formed when light rays actually converge at a point, while a virtual image is formed when light rays appear to diverge from a point. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.

8. Can you touch or feel a real image?

No, you cannot touch or feel a real image. Although real images are formed by actual convergence of light rays, they are still just a concentration of light at a point in space, not a physical object.

9. How does the position of a real image compare to that of a virtual image relative to an optical device?

A real image is formed on the opposite side of the optical device from the object, while a virtual image is formed on the same side as the object.

10. In which direction do light rays travel after forming a real image?

After forming a real image, light rays continue to travel in the same direction, diverging from the image point. This is why you can see a real image from different angles.

11. Can a real image ever appear larger than the object?

Yes, a real image can appear larger than the object. This occurs when the object is placed between one and two focal lengths away from a converging lens or concave mirror.

12. Can a concave mirror form both real and virtual images?

Yes, a concave mirror can form both real and virtual images. When the object is beyond the center of curvature, it forms a real image. When the object is between the focal point and the mirror, it forms a virtual image.

13. Can a single convex lens produce both real and virtual images?

Yes, a single convex lens can produce both real and virtual images depending on the object's position. When the object is beyond the focal point, it forms a real image. When the object is within the focal point, it forms a virtual image.

14. What type of image does a magnifying glass create?

A magnifying glass creates a virtual image when used for magnification. The object is placed within the focal length of the lens, causing the light rays to diverge and create an enlarged, upright virtual image.

15. Can a plane mirror form a real image?

No, a plane mirror cannot form a real image. It only forms virtual images because the reflected light rays diverge after reflection, appearing to come from behind the mirror.

16. How does image formation in a camera differ from that in the human eye?

In a camera, a real image is formed on the film or sensor. In the human eye, a real image is formed on the retina. However, the eye can accommodate to view both real and virtual images, while a camera typically captures only real images.

17. Why can't you project a virtual image onto a screen?

You can't project a virtual image onto a screen because the light rays forming a virtual image don't actually converge at the image location. Instead, they only appear to diverge from that point, making it impossible to capture on a screen.

18. How does the distance of a real image from a lens change as the object moves closer?

As an object moves closer to a converging lens (but still beyond the focal point), the real image moves farther away from the lens. This relationship is described by the lens equation.

19. Why do virtual images always appear upright in a plane mirror?

Virtual images always appear upright in a plane mirror because the mirror simply reverses the direction of light rays perpendicular to its surface, maintaining the relative positions of top and bottom.

20. Why do real images formed by lenses or mirrors often have some degree of distortion?

Real images often have some distortion due to aberrations in lenses or mirrors. These can include spherical aberration, chromatic aberration, or astigmatism, which cause light rays to converge imperfectly.

21. Can a virtual image ever be magnified less than the actual object?

Yes, a virtual image can be magnified less than the actual object in certain cases, such as with a convex mirror or when an object is placed very close to a concave mirror (between the mirror and its focal point).

22. Why do some optical illusions rely on the principles of virtual image formation?

Many optical illusions exploit the brain's interpretation of virtual images. They create scenarios where light appears to come from locations different from its actual source, tricking our visual system into perceiving objects or depths that aren't physically present.

23. Can a virtual image ever appear three-dimensional?

Yes, a virtual image can appear three-dimensional, especially in stereoscopic systems. By presenting slightly different virtual images to each eye, the brain can interpret depth and create a 3D perception, as in virtual reality headsets.

24. How does the formation of real and virtual images in the eye contribute to depth perception?

The eye forms real images on the retina, but depth perception involves the brain's interpretation of slight differences between the images in each eye. The brain uses these differences, along with other cues like relative size and motion parallax, to construct a 3D perception of the world.

25. Why do some advanced camera systems use a combination of real and virtual image processing techniques?

Advanced camera systems may use both real and virtual image processing to enhance features like depth of field, focus, or low-light performance. They might capture real images on the sensor but then apply computational techniques to create virtual adjustments or enhancements.

26. Why do virtual images often appear "right-side up" while real images are usually inverted?

Virtual images often appear upright because the light rays don't actually cross before reaching the eye. Real images are usually inverted because the light rays physically cross at the image point before reaching the eye or screen.

27. How does the eye perceive a virtual image differently from a real image?

The eye perceives both real and virtual images similarly, by focusing the incoming light rays onto the retina. However, for a virtual image, the eye must focus as if the object were at the apparent position of the image, while for a real image, it focuses on the actual position where the light rays converge.

28. Why do virtual images often appear clearer or sharper than real images?

Virtual images often appear clearer because they are not formed by actual convergence of light rays, which can introduce aberrations. Real images may suffer from slight blurring due to imperfect focusing of light rays.

29. Can a real image be formed in mid-air?

Yes, a real image can be formed in mid-air where light rays actually converge. This is the principle behind holographic displays and some types of 3D projections.

30. How does the size of a real image compare to the size of a virtual image formed by the same lens?

The size of a real or virtual image depends on the object's position relative to the lens's focal point. Generally, real images can be larger or smaller than the object, while virtual images formed by converging lenses are always larger than the object.

31. Can a diverging lens produce a real image?

No, a diverging lens cannot produce a real image. It always produces virtual images because it causes light rays to diverge, never converge to a point.

32. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to mirages?

Mirages are examples of virtual images formed by atmospheric refraction. The light rays from an object are bent due to temperature gradients in the air, creating the illusion of an image where no actual object exists.

33. Why can't you use a virtual image for projection in a movie theater?

Virtual images can't be used for projection because the light rays don't actually converge at the image point. Movie projectors require real images that can be focused onto a screen.

34. How does a convex mirror's image differ from that of a concave mirror?

A convex mirror always produces virtual, upright, and diminished images, while a concave mirror can produce both real and virtual images, which can be inverted or upright, and enlarged or diminished, depending on the object's position.

35. Can a real image be seen without a screen?

Yes, a real image can be seen without a screen. If you place your eye at the position where the image is formed, you can see the image in space. However, a screen makes it easier to view the image from various angles.

36. How does the formation of a virtual image in a plane mirror relate to the law of reflection?

The formation of a virtual image in a plane mirror directly follows the law of reflection. Each point on the virtual image appears to be as far behind the mirror as the corresponding point on the object is in front of it, due to equal angles of incidence and reflection.

37. Why do some optical instruments, like telescopes, use combinations of real and virtual images?

Optical instruments often use combinations of real and virtual images to achieve desired magnification and orientation. For example, telescopes may form a real image with the objective lens, which is then magnified as a virtual image by the eyepiece.

38. How does the concept of focal point differ for real and virtual images?

For real images, the focal point is where parallel light rays converge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a curved mirror. For virtual images, the focal point is where light rays appear to diverge from, even though they don't actually pass through that point.

39. Can a single optical device produce both real and virtual images simultaneously?

Yes, a single optical device like a curved mirror can produce both real and virtual images simultaneously for different observers or from different parts of an extended object, depending on their positions relative to the focal point.

40. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the phenomenon of total internal reflection?

In total internal reflection, such as in optical fibers or mirages, virtual images are formed. The light rays don't actually reach the apparent location of the image but appear to come from that point.

41. How does the human brain interpret the difference between real and virtual images?

The human brain doesn't distinguish between real and virtual images in terms of perception. It interprets the light entering the eye similarly for both types, constructing a visual representation based on the direction from which the light appears to come.

42. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the formation of rainbows?

Rainbows are a complex optical phenomenon involving both refraction and reflection of light in water droplets. The image of a rainbow is virtual, as the light rays do not actually converge at the apparent location of the rainbow.

43. Why do some virtual reality systems use a combination of real and virtual image techniques?

Virtual reality systems often combine real and virtual image techniques to create immersive experiences. They may use lenses to create virtual images close to the eye, while also incorporating real images on screens to enhance depth perception and realism.

44. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the human eye's ability to focus?

The human eye forms a real image on the retina. However, when focusing on nearby objects, the eye's lens changes shape to ensure that a clear real image is formed on the retina, even though the object might be producing a virtual image through the cornea.

45. Can a real image be formed by reflection from a flat surface?

No, a real image cannot be formed by reflection from a flat surface like a plane mirror. Flat surfaces always produce virtual images because they don't cause light rays to converge.

46. How does the intensity of a real image compare to that of a virtual image?

The intensity of a real image can vary depending on how well the light rays converge, while a virtual image's perceived intensity is more related to the original object's brightness. Real images can potentially be brighter when light is concentrated at the image point.

47. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the design of corrective lenses for vision problems?

Corrective lenses work by altering the path of light rays to form a clear real image on the retina. For nearsightedness, diverging lenses create a virtual image that appears farther away. For farsightedness, converging lenses help focus nearby objects onto the retina.

48. Can a virtual image cast a shadow?

No, a virtual image cannot cast a shadow because it is not formed by actual convergence of light rays. Only real objects or real images that block light can cast shadows.

49. How does the formation of real and virtual images in curved mirrors differ from that in lenses?

In curved mirrors, real or virtual images are formed by reflection, with the mirror's curvature determining the image type. In lenses, images are formed by refraction as light passes through the lens material. Both can produce real or virtual images depending on object position and device shape.

50. Why do some advanced microscopes use a combination of real and virtual image formation techniques?

Advanced microscopes often use a combination of real and virtual image formation to achieve high magnification and resolution. They may form a real image of the specimen, which is then further magnified as a virtual image through the eyepiece.

51. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the phenomenon of mirage formation in deserts?

Desert mirages are examples of virtual image formation. Hot air near the ground bends light rays upward, creating an illusion of a reflected image (like water) that doesn't actually exist at that location. This is a virtual image formed by atmospheric refraction.

52. Can a single optical system produce multiple real or virtual images of the same object?

Yes, a complex optical system can produce multiple real or virtual images of the same object. This is often used in kaleidoscopes or certain types of telescopes where multiple reflections create several images.

53. How does the formation of real and virtual images relate to the principle of reversibility of light?

The principle of reversibility of light states that light follows the same path whether going forward or backward. This applies to both real and virtual images: if you place a light source at the image position, it will trace back to the original object position, regardless of image type.

54. Why do some holographic displays create the illusion of both real and virtual images?

Holographic displays create the illusion of both real and virtual images by manipulating light waves to recreate the wavefront of the original scene. This allows viewers to perceive depth and perspective as if viewing both real objects and their virtual reflections or projections.

55. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the design of automotive head-up displays?

Automotive head-up displays often use virtual image techniques to project information onto the windshield. The display creates a virtual image that appears to float in space in front of the driver, allowing them to view important information without taking their eyes off the road.

56. How does the concept of real and virtual images apply to the phenomenon of gravitational lensing in astronomy?

Gravitational lensing in astronomy creates both real and virtual images of distant celestial objects. Massive objects bend light like a lens, sometimes producing multiple images or arcs (real images) of the same distant galaxy, while also creating magnified virtual images that appear displaced from their true positions.