Question

What is a virtual image?

Answer 1

To solve this question, we are going to firstly give a simple definition for the virtual image. It is explained as to how these images are formed and what are the specific mirrors or lenses that lead to their formation. Their properties are also discussed along with their difference from real images.

Complete step-by-step solution:
The light rays coming from an object form a locus of the points, that locus is called the virtual image. A virtual image is different from a real image in a way that the object is the locus of the points coming from the converging rays while the virtual image is the locus of the points coming from the diverging rays.
The virtual images are erect and are formed by concave lenses. They appear to be on the lens or the mirror itself. While they are formed by the concave lenses, there are also the convex mirrors that form the virtual images. Virtual images are formed due to the imaginary intersection of light rays while when the light rays actually intersect, they form a real image that is formed by a convex lens or a concave mirror. The virtual images differ from the real images in a way that the real images are inverted, formed on the screen by a concave mirror or concave lens.

Note: It is to be noted that the virtual images may seem imaginary and be thought of no significance, but dealing with the concave lenses and the concave mirrors also make us come across their significance. A plane mirror also leads to the formation of a virtual image positioned behind the mirror.