Definition

Noun: 1. An optical image formed by the apparent divergence of light rays from a point, not by their actual convergence: A "virtual image" is an image that cannot be projected onto a screen because the light rays do not actually meet at the image's location. The image appears to be located at a point from which the rays seem to originate. This is the type of image produced by flat mirrors, magnifying glasses (when the object is within the focal length), and other optical systems where the image is upright and cannot be captured on a surface.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • When you look at yourself in a bathroom mirror, you see a virtual image of your face.
  • A magnifying glass creates a virtual image when held close to an object, making it appear larger.
  • The virtual image formed by the plane mirror appeared to be located behind the mirror's surface.

Advanced Usage

• In contrast to a real image: In optics, a "virtual image" is fundamentally distinguished from a "real image." A real image is formed by the actual convergence of light rays and can be projected onto a screen (e.g., the image on a movie screen). A virtual image cannot.
• Ray diagram construction: When drawing ray diagrams for lenses or mirrors, a virtual image is represented by dashed lines to show the path of the diverging rays that the eye traces back to a common point of origin.

Variants and Related Words

• Real image (n): An optical image formed by the actual convergence of light rays, which can be projected onto a screen.
• Virtual (adj): Having the essence or effect but not the actual form or name of something. In computing, it describes a simulated environment (e.g., ). In optics, it specifically describes an image formed by diverging rays.

Synonyms

• Apparent image: Emphasizes that the image is seen but not physically present at the perceived location.
• Erect image (in specific contexts): Highlights that a virtual image is not inverted relative to the object, though not all erect images are virtual.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Formed by divergence: A key phrase describing the optical process that creates a virtual image.
• Located behind the mirror: A common description for the perceived position of a virtual image created by a plane mirror.

Noun

1. a reflected optical image (as seen in a plane mirror)