Understanding Virtual Objects: Formation and Characteristics

  • Thread starter Thread starter gracy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Virtual
Click For Summary
Virtual objects are formed when a virtual image created by one mirror is treated as an object for a second mirror. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the placement of mirrors and the behavior of rays, particularly how rays cannot diverge from a virtual image. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding the optical setup before making modifications. The participants suggest that the second mirror should be positioned to the left of the first mirror to properly interact with the light rays. Clarification on the concept of virtual objects is sought, with a reference to a video for further explanation.
gracy
Messages
2,486
Reaction score
83
In the following figure AB which is behind the mirror is virtual image of object AB placed at some point between the pole and focus.
object-between-pole-focus.gif

So,is virtual object something we will get if we treat this virtual image as object i.e when we place a mirror in right side of this virtual image AB ,then the incident ray will come from AB and it's image will be formed at this second mirror.Let's name it A"B" So,the virtual image of first mirror i.e AB is virtual object for the second mirror.That's what we mean by "virtual object"right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
But I think there is something wrong in
gracy said:
then the incident ray will come from AB
Because AB is virtual image of first mirror and rays cannot diverge from or converge at virtual image.
 
gracy said:
So,is virtual object something we will get if we treat this virtual image as object i.e when we place a mirror in right side of this virtual image AB ,then the incident ray will come from AB and it's image will be formed at this second mirror.Let's name it A"B" So,the virtual image of first mirror i.e AB is virtual object for the second mirror.That's what we mean by "virtual object"right?

I can't make heads or tails of what you're trying to explain here. Why are you even introducing a 2nd mirror?
 
Riddle me this. How is the ray going to get to the second mirror if it's behind the first one?
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
Drakkith said:
How is the ray going to get to the second mirror if it's behind the first one?
I don't know.I don't have any idea .please guide me.
 
gracy said:
I don't know.I don't have any idea .please guide me.

My point is that it's important to understand the setup and how it works before you change it.

Anyways, I found this video which I think will explain what a virtual image object is very well:



For mirrors, you would obviously have to place the 2nd mirror in the path of the light after it bounces off of the 1st mirror, which means it must be on the left side of the diagram, not the right. Otherwise, you treat it just like you do a lens.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes gracy
Drakkith said:
, I found this video which I think will explain what a virtual image
But I want to understand virtual object.Let me watch the video and then I will inform I understood or not.
 
gracy said:
But I want to understand virtual object.Let me watch the video and then I will inform I understood or not.

I'm sorry, I meant virtual object, not image.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
14K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
48K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K