Question

Which statements are true about a VIRTUAL image? (There may be more than one correct choice.)

A. A concave lens always forms a virtual image.
B. A plane mirror always forms a virtual image.
C. It can be viewed on a screen.
D. Its location can be calculated, but it cannot be viewed directly by your eye without using auxiliary lenses.
E. It cannot be photographed.

Answer 1

A virtual image is always upright and cannot be projected onto a surface. Only an additional lens can be used to form a real image of the virtual image.

Step-by-step explanation:

Table 25.3 summarizes the three types of images formed by single thin lenses. These are referred to as case 1, 2, and 3 images. Convex (converging) lenses can form either real or virtual images (cases 1 and 2, respectively), whereas concave (diverging) lenses can form only virtual images (always case 3). Real images are always inverted, but they can be either larger or smaller than the object. Virtual images are always upright and cannot be projected. Virtual images are larger than the object only in case 2, where a convex lens is used. The virtual image produced by a concave lens is always smaller than the object-a case 3 image. We can see and photograph virtual images only by using an additional lens to form a real image.