Real image from concave mirror

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SUMMARY

A real image formed by a concave mirror occurs when light rays converge after reflection, allowing the image to be projected onto a screen. In contrast, a virtual image is perceived by the eye tracing reflected rays back to a point, creating an illusion without actual convergence. To visualize a real image, one can experiment by placing a piece of paper or a screen in front of a concave mirror, ensuring the setup is away from direct sunlight. This practical demonstration effectively illustrates the difference between real and virtual images.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of concave mirrors and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of light behavior and reflection
  • Familiarity with the concepts of real and virtual images
  • Ability to conduct simple physics experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light reflection in concave mirrors
  • Explore the differences between real and virtual images in optics
  • Learn about the applications of concave mirrors in various technologies
  • Conduct experiments with different light sources and screens to observe image formation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of light and image formation using mirrors.

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"real" image from concave mirror

Ok so in we are currently doing mirrors and reflections in physics and from what I learned there are 2 types of images: real and virtual. I know that a virtual image is what you see INSIDE the mirror; but what does a real image looks like? I can't find anything online.. or maybe my seaching skill is just bad, but please someone enlighten me. Oh and something like a pic or vid will be better description than just words :D
 
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What sort of image do you think a lens projects onto a piece of film?
 


If you stand back far enough from the mirror that the real image is between you and the mirror, you can see the image "floating" in front of the mirror.
 
A real image is simply an image where real light rays are coming back together after being reflected. With virtual images, the eye traces the reflected rays back to a point because it's tricked and doesn't account for the misdirection by the mirror. Both are images, per se, the only real difference is that a real image can be projected onto a screen, and the virtual image requires someone to look at the mirror and their brain to be tricked. If you have a concave mirror, I suggest trying this out with some paper or a screen in a room with a window. You should be able to see the room projected onto the paper if you get things right, just don't use direct sunlight
 
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