What is a virtual image?
(A) The image that cannot be caught on screen
(B) The image that can be caught on a screen
(C) The image that cannot be converged on a screen
(D) None
Answer
300.6k+ views
Hint: To understand what a virtual image is,first draw the ray diagram of an object placed in front of a concave mirror and find the nature of the image formed. Virtual images are generally represented by dotted lines.
Complete step by step solution:
When an object is placed in front of a concave lens, the light ray emitted by the source passes through the lens axis and gets deflected away. The rays don't meet at a point on the other side of the concave lens, rather it meets virtually on the same side of the, which is erect and highly diminished.
The diagram below shows the case of the formation of virtual and erect but highly diminished images when an object is placed between Focus and pole.

Virtual images can’t be caught on a screen, but are visible to naked human eye. It is formed when a ray of light slightly appears to meet at a point, but not on the other side of the lens but on the same side of the aperture.
The nature of virtual images are erect and highly diminished, which makes it suitable for many applications. Hence by definition, it is understood that virtual images are images that do not actually meet on the screen, but rather meet virtually and form the image on the same side. Therefore, these images can’t be caught on screen.
Hence, Option (A) is the right answer for the given question.
Note:
Virtual images are formed in many day to day applications. The rear mirrors used in cars and bikes are made of concave mirrors, which forms virtual, erect and highly magnified images, which helps the driver to get to know what’s behind the vehicle in advance.
Complete step by step solution:
When an object is placed in front of a concave lens, the light ray emitted by the source passes through the lens axis and gets deflected away. The rays don't meet at a point on the other side of the concave lens, rather it meets virtually on the same side of the, which is erect and highly diminished.
The diagram below shows the case of the formation of virtual and erect but highly diminished images when an object is placed between Focus and pole.

Virtual images can’t be caught on a screen, but are visible to naked human eye. It is formed when a ray of light slightly appears to meet at a point, but not on the other side of the lens but on the same side of the aperture.
The nature of virtual images are erect and highly diminished, which makes it suitable for many applications. Hence by definition, it is understood that virtual images are images that do not actually meet on the screen, but rather meet virtually and form the image on the same side. Therefore, these images can’t be caught on screen.
Hence, Option (A) is the right answer for the given question.
Note:
Virtual images are formed in many day to day applications. The rear mirrors used in cars and bikes are made of concave mirrors, which forms virtual, erect and highly magnified images, which helps the driver to get to know what’s behind the vehicle in advance.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

Understanding Inertial and Non-Inertial Frames of Reference

Understanding How a Current Loop Acts as a Magnetic Dipole

Units and Measurements Mock Test for JEE Main 2026-27 Preparation

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Weightage Chapter Wise 2026 for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

JEE Advanced 2027 Notes

Isoelectronic Species: Definition, Examples & Importance

Electric field due to uniformly charged sphere class 12 physics JEE_Main

Fastest T20 International Centuries – Top Records

Navratri 2026 Colours with Dates, Devi Names & 9 Days Colour Guide Signifcance

