Virtual Images (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics)

Converging lens - virtual image

Extended tier only

Constructing converging ray diagrams of virtual images

• A single lens placed at a distance less than the focal length of an object can be used as a magnifying glass

A converging lens ray diagram for an object placed less than f

Ray diagram showing light converging through a magnifying glass to form a magnified virtual image

• The image that forms will have the following properties:

Diverging lens - virtual image

Image formation by a diverging lens

• No matter the position of the object all images formed by diverging lenses are:

  • Virtual (and not real)

  • Upright (the same as the object)

  • Diminished (smaller than the object)

  • On the same side of the lens as the object

• For an object placed at any distance away from the lens (further than the focal point or closer than):

  • The ray of light incident on the centre of the lens does not change direction

  • The rays of light parallel to the principal axis are refracted

  • These rays can be extrapolated backwards 

    • It appears that they come from a virtual focus

  • A visible projection cannot be formed on a screen

Virtual image produced by a diverging lens with object beyond f

A diverging lens always produces a virtual image no matter the position of the object in relation to the focal point or the lens. Here the object is further away from the lens than the focal point.

Virtual image produced by a diverging lens with object closer than f

A diverging lens always produces a virtual image no matter the position of the object in relation to the focal point or the lens. Here the object is closer to the lens than the focal point.

Comparing converging & diverging lenses

• The image produced by a converging lens can be either real or virtual

  • This means the image can be inverted (real) or upright (virtual)

• The image produced by a diverging lens is always virtual

  • This means the image will always be upright