Convex lenses CAN produce real images - if the object distance is greater than the focal length. If the object is located AT the focal length, there is NO image. If the object is located within the focal length, the image is virtual (appearing to exist behind the lens - think magnifying glass)
Concave lenses CAN NEVER produce real images - the images are always virtual (appearing "behind" lens; on same side as object)
Real images are those that can be shown on a screen. Virtual images can NOT exist on a screen - like the images you get from a flat/plane mirror.
In general:
ReplyDeleteConvex lenses CAN produce real images - if the object distance is greater than the focal length. If the object is located AT the focal length, there is NO image. If the object is located within the focal length, the image is virtual (appearing to exist behind the lens - think magnifying glass)
Concave lenses CAN NEVER produce real images - the images are always virtual (appearing "behind" lens; on same side as object)
Real images are those that can be shown on a screen. Virtual images can NOT exist on a screen - like the images you get from a flat/plane mirror.