Why is it possible to see a real image in a mirror?

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the nature of real and virtual images produced by concave mirrors. When an object is placed between the focal point and the center of curvature, a magnified and inverted real image is formed, which can be seen. The user expresses confusion about the visibility of real images, but it is established that real images can be perceived as they converge light rays, allowing the eye to interpret them. The discussion also highlights that distinguishing between real and virtual images can be challenging.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of concave mirrors and their properties
  • Knowledge of focal points and center of curvature
  • Basic principles of light convergence and divergence
  • Familiarity with real and virtual images in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formation of images in concave mirrors using ray diagrams
  • Explore the differences between real and virtual images in various mirror types
  • Study the principles of light behavior, including reflection and refraction
  • Watch educational videos on optics to visualize image formation
USEFUL FOR

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

JSGandora
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I am having trouble understanding how mirrors have only either a virtual image or a real image. Take a concave mirror for example.

If the object is placed between the mirror and the focal point, then there is a magnified virtual image.

If the object is placed between the focal point and the center of curvature, then there is a magnified and inverted real image.

If the object is placed beyond the center of curvature, then there is a demagnified and inverted real image.

In the latter two cases, what would you see if you just looked at the mirror since there is only a real image? Also, if you positioned yourself so that your eye is right behind the real image in any of the latter two cases, would you see the real image, which is what my textbook says? The light converges at the real image and then diverges then entering your eye. Your eye would interpret that as coming from the real image because the multiple rays that it receives converges at that real image, is that not true? But since it's a real image, I thought you weren't able to see it.

I am so confused, please help me.
 
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JSGandora said:
But since it's a real image, I thought you weren't able to see it.
Why would you think that? The cool thing about real images is that they can appear to be suspended in mid air. Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFqlQiTTHRs
 
Oh oops, I just read the following sections and it explained why a real image can be seen. It also said that you can't distinguish a real image from a virtual one. Thanks for the video, it makes it clearer. :)
 

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