Can Real Images Be Viewed Without a Screen?

[Ghost803]

I have a question about lenses and mirrors and the above topic..

As I understand it, a real image is one that formed when all the light from one source is converged again at another point and our eyes see that light again spreading from the converged spot. So if you put a screen at the spot where they are forcefully converged by the mirror or lens, you would have an image.

Is my understanding right?? And if it is... Can we see real images without the use of a screen?

 

[cesiumfrog]

Yes, just look into the lenses from beyond where the screen would have been.

 

[sir-pinski]

Your understanding is correct. A real image is formed when all the light rays from an object converge at a point and can be projected onto a screen. This is typically achieved using convex lenses or concave mirrors. The image appears upside down compared to the object, and its size and distance from the lens or mirror can be adjusted by changing the curvature of the lens or mirror.

As for your question about whether we can see real images without a screen, the answer is yes. Our eyes are essentially screens themselves, as they receive and process the light that enters them. So, if the real image is formed close enough to our eyes, we can see it without the need for a separate screen. This is how we see objects in our everyday lives, as the light rays from the objects are focused by our cornea and lens onto our retina, creating a real image that is then processed by our brain.

However, the use of a screen allows us to see a magnified or enlarged version of the real image, making it easier to observe details and make measurements. Additionally, screens can also be used to capture and store the real image, allowing us to view it at a later time.

In contrast, a virtual image is formed when light rays appear to be coming from a point behind the mirror or lens. This type of image cannot be projected onto a screen and is typically seen when using concave lenses or convex mirrors. Virtual images appear upright and larger than the object, and they cannot be captured or stored.

Overall, understanding the difference between real and virtual images is important in understanding how lenses and mirrors work and how we perceive the world around us. I hope this helps clarify your understanding of this topic.