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Real image

Definition

A real image is formed when actual light rays intersect after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror. It can be projected onto a screen.

Analogy

Imagine you are standing in front of a mirror, and you see your reflection. That reflection is like a real image because it is formed by actual light rays that intersect at the location of your image.

Related terms

Virtual image: Unlike real images, virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen. They appear to be formed by the intersection of light rays but do not actually converge.

Magnification: The ratio of the height (or size) of an image to the height (or size) of the object being imaged.

Lens/mirror equation: A mathematical relationship between an object's distance from a lens or mirror, its image distance, and their respective focal lengths.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.