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Virtual Images versus Real Images:
Images are seen in mirrors as the result of reflected light. The many light rays that originate at the object location reflect off the mirror and travel to each observer's eye. If the light rays diverge (spread apart) after reflection, then the image is referred to as a virtual image. If the light rays converge (come together) after reflection, then the image is referred to as a real image.
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Besides having different definitions, there are many differences between real and virtual images. Real images are formed on the object's side of the mirror at locations where light actually comes together. Since light is present at a real image location, such images are projectable onto a sheet of paper. Virtual images are formed behind the mirror where light never reaches. Virtual images can never be projected onto a sheet of paper. Virtual images such as those seen in plane mirrors are upright images. Real images are inverted images. Of course, both types of images can be seen when sighting at the image location in the mirror. And both types of images can be either magnified, reduced or the same size as the object, depending on the type of mirror which produced it.
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