Real image from concave mirror

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of real images produced by concave mirrors, contrasting them with virtual images. Participants explore definitions, characteristics, and practical demonstrations related to these types of images in the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on what a real image looks like and expresses difficulty finding resources online.
  • Another participant prompts a comparison by asking about the type of image a lens projects onto film.
  • A participant describes the experience of seeing a real image "floating" in front of the mirror when standing at a sufficient distance.
  • It is explained that a real image is formed when light rays converge after reflection, while a virtual image is perceived due to the brain interpreting reflected rays incorrectly. The distinction is made that real images can be projected onto a screen, unlike virtual images.
  • A suggestion is made to experiment with a concave mirror and a piece of paper or screen to observe the projection of a room's image, with a caution against using direct sunlight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best way to visualize or understand real images, as different perspectives and experiences are shared without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the conditions necessary for observing real images are not fully explored, such as the specific distances and angles involved in the experiments suggested.

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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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