What does a virtual image represent?

A virtual image is one that cannot be projected onto a screen because it is formed by light rays that appear to diverge from a location behind the mirror or lens, rather than converging at a point in space. When light rays diverge, they do not actually pass through the location where the image seems to be, which means the image cannot be captured on a screen like a real image can.

This phenomenon commonly occurs in mirrors, particularly concave mirrors when the object is placed within the focal point, and with lenses, such as convex lenses when the object is placed between the lens and its focal point.

The characteristics of virtual images include that they are upright and appear larger than the object in some configurations, but their inability to be projected is what distinctly categorizes them as virtual. In contrast, real images form at points where light converges, allowing them to be projected.