Virtual Image

A virtual image is an image formed by the apparent intersection of rays of light, which cannot be projected onto a screen. It is a visual representation of an object that appears to exist in a location where light does not actually reach. Virtual images are formed by diverging rays and are located behind the mirror or lens from which the rays appear to come.

Formation of Virtual Images by Mirrors

When an object is placed in front of a concave mirror, the image formed can be real or virtual, depending on the position of the object relative to the mirror. For a concave mirror, if the object is located between the focal point and the mirror, the image is virtual, upright, and magnified. The virtual image is formed by the apparent intersection of the reflected rays, and it cannot be projected onto a screen.

Formation of Virtual Images by Lenses

Lenses can also form virtual images. When an object is placed in front of a converging lens (convex lens), a virtual image is formed if the object is located closer to the lens than the focal point. The virtual image formed by a converging lens is upright and magnified, and it cannot be projected onto a screen.

Characteristics of Virtual Images

1. Cannot be projected: Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen because they are formed by the apparent intersection of light rays that do not actually converge at a physical point.

2. Upright: Virtual images are always upright, meaning they have the same orientation as the object.

3. Location: Virtual images are located behind the reflecting or refracting surface from which the rays of light appear to come.

4. Magnification: Virtual images can be either magnified or reduced in size, depending on the relative positions of the object and the mirror or lens.

Study Guide for Virtual Images

Understand the difference between real and virtual images.
Learn the conditions for the formation of virtual images by concave mirrors and convex lenses.
Practice drawing ray diagrams to determine the characteristics of virtual images.
Explore the applications of virtual images in optical devices such as magnifying glasses and rear-view mirrors.

Understanding virtual images is important in the field of optics and has practical applications in various optical devices and systems.

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Electric Circuits

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Construct simple series and parallel circuits containing resistors and batteries and apply Ohm’s law to solve typical problems demonstrating the effect of changing values of resistors and voltages.

PHYSICS

Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

Use the principles of Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws to design, construct, and analyze combination circuits using typical components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, diodes, sources of power).