Definition of a Real Image
A real image is an image formed when light rays originating from an object actually converge at a specific point after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror. Unlike virtual images, which are formed by the apparent divergence of light, real images involve the physical intersection of light rays.
How Real Images are Formed
Real images are typically produced by converging optical components such as concave mirrors (when the object is placed beyond the focal point) or convex lenses (when the object is placed beyond the focal point). The curvature of these components causes parallel or diverging light rays to bend and meet at a single point, forming the image.
Practical Examples of Real Images
A classic example of a real image is the picture projected onto a screen by a movie projector, where the projector's lens creates a real, magnified image of the film. Similarly, the image formed on the retina at the back of your eye by the eye's lens is a real image, which your brain then interprets.
Characteristics and Applications
Real images are always inverted (upside down) relative to the object and can be either magnified or diminished in size. A defining characteristic is that they can be captured or projected onto a physical surface, such as a screen or photographic film. This property makes them indispensable in devices like cameras, telescopes (for intermediate images), and microscopes.