Differentiate between real and virtual images. What are three basic rays by which we can draw a ray diagram to form an image by a spherical mirror?

Real Image: Formed by actual convergence of rays; can be projected on a screen; inverted.

Virtual Image: Formed by apparent divergence of rays; cannot be projected on a screen; erect.

Basic rays for ray diagrams:

1. A ray parallel to the principal axis passes through the focus after reflection.

2. A ray passing through the focus becomes parallel after reflection.

3. A ray passing through the center of curvature (C) is reflected back on itself.