Real Image Versus Virtual Image

Image from Unsplash 

A Real Image:

• A real image is an image that can be projected onto a screen. 
  
• It is formed when light rays actually converge at a point after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror. 
  
• Real images are formed on the opposite side of the lens or mirror from the object. 
  
• They are always upside down and can be highly detailed.
  

A Virtual Image:

A virtual image is an image that is not formed by the actual convergence of light rays. 

It cannot be projected onto a screen. 

Instead, it is formed by the apparent intersection of light rays when traced back. 

Virtual images are formed on the same side of the lens or mirror as the object.

They are always upright and cannot be captured on a screen.

Summarising the Differences:

• Formation: Real images are formed by the actual convergence of light rays, while virtual images are formed by the apparent intersection of light rays.
• Projection: Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.
  
• Orientation: Real images are always upside down, while virtual images are always upright.
  
• Location: Real images are formed on the opposite side of the lens or mirror, while virtual images are formed on the same side as the object.