Here we have to note down an interesting point.
If we have a source of light, then the rays starting right from the source would be diverging definitely. Hence if the rays coming from a source is of diverging type then the source is a real one. If otherwise the rays assumed coming from a source is converging type then we can declare that the source would be a virtual one.
Same manner to form an image on a screen the rays have to converge. So converging rays would give definitely a real image. If the rays which are destined to give an image are of diverging type then the image must be termed as virtual. To get the position of the virtual image we have to extend back the rays so as they meet at a point and we say that the rays appear to diverge from that point hence named as virtual image.
Thus we generalize this way.
In case of source if rays are of diverging then source is real, if converging then source is virtual.
In case of image formation, if rays are converging then real image and if diverging then virtual image.
This is the cute point to be realized and to be taught to the students of this generation.
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A virtual image is formed when diverging light rays appear to converge at a point behind a mirror or lens, while a real image is formed when converging light rays actually intersect at a point in front of a mirror or lens. The main difference is that a real image can be projected onto a screen and is therefore visible, while a virtual image cannot be projected and is only perceived when looking through the mirror or lens.
Real images are formed when light rays actually converge at a specific point, while virtual images are formed when light rays only appear to converge at a point when traced back.
In a concave mirror, images can be real or virtual depending on the object's position relative to the mirror. Real images are formed when the object is located beyond the mirror's focal point, while virtual images are formed when the object is located between the mirror and its focal point. Real images are inverted and can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images are upright and cannot be projected.
A concave mirror can create both real and virtual images, whereas a plane mirror can only create virtual images. A convex mirror can only create virtual images that are always diminished in size.
Convex lenses form real images and concave lenses form virtual images. But there is one case in which convex lens also forms virtual images. This is when object is placed between Principal Focus "F" and Optical Centre "O"
One can determine whether an image is real or virtual by examining details such as lighting, shadows, reflections, and inconsistencies in the image. Real images typically have more natural lighting and shadows, while virtual images may have perfect lighting and lack of shadows. Additionally, looking for any digital artifacts or inconsistencies in the image can also help differentiate between real and virtual images.