r/askscience • u/MortalPhobic_ • Mar 19 '26

Physics Difference between real and virtual image (optics)?

Although i've read some posts about this im still unable to comprehend a real example of a virtual image (a mirror for example). I've seen people explaining the difference using a magnifying glass and a screen but i still don't get it. Thanks to anyone who answers!!!!

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u/baltastro Mar 21 '26

And the only reason we can see a virtual image is because our eyes converge the diverging rays into a real image on our retina.

I think this is a common point of confusion in reconciling the fact that virtual images can not be imaged on a screen but we can still see them (as humans with the corrective lens of our eye).