Understanding Virtual Objects: Formation and Characteristics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of virtual objects in optics, particularly in the context of mirrors. Participants explore the formation and characteristics of virtual objects, questioning how they relate to virtual images and the implications of using multiple mirrors in the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that a virtual object can be formed by treating a virtual image from one mirror as the object for a second mirror.
  • Another participant challenges this by stating that rays cannot diverge from or converge at a virtual image, suggesting a flaw in the initial reasoning.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the introduction of a second mirror and questions its necessity in the explanation.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding the setup before altering it, indicating that the placement of mirrors is crucial for proper understanding.
  • One participant suggests that for mirrors, the second mirror must be placed in the path of light after it reflects off the first mirror, contradicting the initial proposal of placing it on the right side.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the mechanics of rays reaching the second mirror when it is positioned behind the first mirror.
  • One participant mentions a video that may clarify the concept of virtual image objects, indicating a desire to understand the topic better.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition and implications of virtual objects, with multiple competing views and ongoing confusion regarding the setup involving mirrors.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the mechanics of light rays in relation to virtual images and objects, as well as the proper placement of mirrors in the discussed scenarios.

gracy
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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?
 
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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?
 
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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:
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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.
 

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