Chapter 31, Problem 1FTD

How can you see a virtual image, when it’s not “really there”?

To determine

How to see a virtual image. Why it is not really there.

Answer to Problem 1FTD

The divergent rays have an apparent point of divergence, where all the rays from an object appear to meet. This point is perceived as the image of the object by the viewer. Since the rays do not really converge at a point, it does not really exist.

Explanation of Solution

Virtual images are those which cannot be captured using a screen. It is formed in plane mirror, concave lenses, and convex mirrors under certain conditions. In virtual image, the incident light after passing from the lenses or mirrors, diverge away from each other.

When the divergent lights are extended, they appear to diverge from a point which the eye perceives as the image of the object. In virtual image the lights do not really converge to form an image. The image is the apparent point of divergence. Hence it really does not exist.

Conclusion:

The divergent rays has an apparent point of divergence, where all the rays from an object appear to meet. This point is perceived as the image of the object by the viewer. Since the rays do not really converge at a point, it does not really exist.