What is a real image?

Short Answer

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Answer: A real image is an image formed by the actual convergence of light rays, which can be projected onto a screen or surface. They are formed by converging lenses or mirrors when the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal length of the lens or mirror. In the case of a converging lens, placing an object beyond the focal length will cause the light rays to converge and form a real, inverted image on the opposite side of the lens, which can be projected onto a screen.

Step by step solution

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1. Definition of a Real Image

A real image is an image formed by the actual convergence of light rays, which can be projected on a screen or surface. Real images are formed by converging lenses or mirrors when the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal length of the lens or mirror.
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2. Example: Converging Lens

Let's take an example of a converging lens, also known as a convex lens, which is able to bend light rays and bring them together at a single point. For this example, we will consider an object placed beyond the focal length of a converging lens.
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3. Basic Optical Terminology

Before we start, let's establish some basic optical terminology. The focal length (f) is the distance between the lens and the focal point. The focal point is the point where light rays are brought together by the lens. The object distance (do) is the distance between the object and the lens. The image distance (di) is the distance between the image formed by the lens and the lens itself.
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4. Object Placement and Real Image Formation

When an object is placed outside the focal length of a converging lens (do > f), a real, inverted image is formed on the other side of the lens. The light rays from the object pass through the lens and converge on the opposite side at a specific point. This is where the real image forms and can be projected onto a screen or surface.
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5. Conclusion

A real image is an image formed by the actual convergence of light rays, which can be projected onto a screen or surface. They are formed by converging lenses or mirrors when the object is placed at a distance greater than the focal length of the lens or mirror. In the case of a converging lens, placing an object beyond the focal length will cause the light rays to converge and form a real, inverted image on the opposite side of the lens, which can be projected onto a screen.

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