Virtual Image

Virtual image is defined as the image formed by the divergence of light when reflected or refracted from a plane mirror, spherical mirror, spherical lens, or object.

Virtual images are images that only appear to be produced at the position behind a mirror. However, it is not present there actually. Contrary to real images, a virtual image is created

when reflected or refracted light rays get diverged. But here light from an object is allowed to hit the mirror and when light rays get reflected from the mirror then it looks like the rays are diverging somewhere behind the mirror.

Also Read: Spherical Lenses

Ray Diagram of Virtual Image

The figure below illustrates the above-discussed phenomenon of virtual images:

Since there is essentially no light coming from behind the mirror, it is always said that the rays seem to meet somewhere. However, this is only the viewer’s viewpoint. Virtual images cannot be displayed on the screen due to this. Plane mirrors produce images that are specifically of the virtual type.

Another important factor to think about is that virtual images are real. Consequently, they have a particular shape and size and can be observed with the naked eye or any optical device.

Virtual Image Examples

Various examples where virtual images are formed,

• Image formed by the Plain Mirror.
• Image formed in the rearview mirror of the vehicle.

Real and Virtual Images are the two types of images formed by the reflection and refraction of light rays. The key difference between real and virtual images is that the real image is formed by the actual intersection of light rays after reflection or refraction of light, while the virtual Images are formed when light rays appear to meet at a point in the area beyond the mirror. Hence, to obtain a real image, the light rays converge while to obtain a virtual image, the light rays diverge.

Read more about the real and virtual image, their formation, examples, etc, and the differences between the real and virtual images in this article.