Explain the formation of real and virtual images. Discuss what kind of images are formed in plane, convex and concave mirrors.

Explanation

The image which cannot be caught on a screen is called virtual image and which can be caught on the screen is called real image. Real images are formed by a convergent beam of light rays, and virtual images are formed by a divergent beam of light rays.
(i) The image formed by a plane mirror is virtual in nature and always erect but laterally inverted and same in size as that of object. (ii) The image formed by convex mirror is always erect, virtual in nature but smaller in size than that of object. (iii) The image formed by concave mirror is either real or virtual and it may be inverted or erect, depending on the position of object in front of it.