Virtual Images
Part of the Optics, Waves and Modern Physics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 14 of 53.
An object inside F: the rays leave spreading and seem to come from a bigger, upright image on the object's side. A magnifying glass.
The lens equation gives v < 0 for a virtual image: f = 10, u = 6 gives v = −15 cm.
A diverging lens has f < 0: its image is always virtual, upright and smaller.
Challenge
A magnifying glass has a focal length of 10 cm. A stamp is 6 cm from it. Where is the image: what is v?
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
1Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightThe Refractive IndexSnell's LawTotal Internal ReflectionDispersionApparent DepthRecap - Optical Fiber4Mechanical Waves
What a Wave IsTwo Graphs of a WaveWhen Pulses MeetInterferenceStanding WavesHarmonicsRecap - Guitar String