Which of the following best describes a real image?

Which of the following best describes a real image?

• A. It can be projected onto a screen
• B. It cannot be projected onto a screen
• C. It is always smaller than the object
• D. It always appears upright

Answer: (A)

A real image is formed when light rays converge and can be projected onto a screen. This occurs in situations such as with a concave mirror or a converging lens where the object is placed beyond the focal point. When the light rays come together, they produce an image that can be captured or displayed on a surface, making it possible to project the image effectively. In contrast, images that cannot be projected onto a screen, like virtual images, are produced when light rays diverge and only appear to come from a location behind the lens or mirror. Additionally, real images can vary in size compared to the object; they can be larger, smaller, or the same size, depending on the object's distance from the lens or mirror. Real images are also typically inverted, unlike virtual images which appear upright. Thus, the ability to project onto a screen is a defining characteristic of real images.

A real image is formed when light rays converge and can be projected onto a screen. This occurs in situations such as with a concave mirror or a converging lens where the object is placed beyond the focal point. When the light rays come together, they produce an image that can be captured or displayed on a surface, making it possible to project the image effectively.

In contrast, images that cannot be projected onto a screen, like virtual images, are produced when light rays diverge and only appear to come from a location behind the lens or mirror. Additionally, real images can vary in size compared to the object; they can be larger, smaller, or the same size, depending on the object's distance from the lens or mirror. Real images are also typically inverted, unlike virtual images which appear upright. Thus, the ability to project onto a screen is a defining characteristic of real images.