What is the difference between real and imaginary images in optics?

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Real images are formed when light rays converge and can be projected onto a screen, as seen when viewing an object directly, like a computer. In contrast, imaginary or virtual images occur when light rays appear to diverge from a point behind a mirror, such as when looking into a mirror and seeing a reflection. The distinction lies in whether the light rays physically meet (real) or only appear to meet when extended (virtual). Ray diagrams illustrate this by showing actual convergence for real images and extended lines for virtual images. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping basic optics concepts.
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hi, i have an OPTICS question .

i am confused about the "real image" and "imaginary image". could not understand the difference. why a image will be "imaginary image" . images are images. why they have to be imaginary ?
 
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A real image is like when you look at your computer, and see the computer. It is actually there. A virtual or imaginary image is like when you stand two feet in front of the mirror on the wall. You see the 'image' of yourself about 4 feet away, but in reality the object (you) is not there.
 
In ray diagrams , if you draw the rays being reflected/refracted actually meeting, the image is real and if the lines are to be extended to meet , the image is virtual.
 

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