Difference between Virtual and Real Image

Characteristics of Images

Images can be real or virtual, erect or inverted, magnified or diminished. A real image is formed by the actual convergence of light rays. A virtual image is the apparent convergence of diverging light rays.
If an image formed is upside down then it is called inverted image or else it is an erect image. If the image formed is bigger than the object, then it is called magnified image . If the image formed is smaller than the object, then it is diminished image .

Image is a point where atleast two light rays actually meet or appear to meet.

Real Image	Virtual Image
Formed when light rays actually meet.	Formed when light rays appear to meet.
Can be obtained on screen.	Can’t be obtained on screen.
Inverted	Erect
Real image is in front of the mirror and behind the Lens.	Virtual image is behind the mirror and in front of the Lens.
We can reach to it.	We can not reach to it.
Example: image formed on cinema screen and formed by concave mirror.	Example: image formed by plane mirror or convex mirror.