All Textbook Topics - Light - Properties of virtual light rays

Properties of virtual light rays

Virtual light rays are as non-existent as they sounds. They are not really there. They are very useful though as they can be used to find images in mirrors which look like they are they are there, but don't really exist.

Textbook Learning Objectives
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1There are two types of light rays, real and virtual
2Virtual light rays are where the human eye follows a real light ray back, but the light ray has reflected at some point. The human brain can't detect that it has reflected so it thinks the light ray keeps going at the point it reflects. The virtual light ray is not really there, the brain only thinks it it there.
3Virtual light rays must be dashed and NOT have an arrow on them
4Virtual rays must be behind the mirror/reflector as seen by the eye
5Virtual light rays must be traced back from the eye, along the real light ray, and carry on in a perfectly straight line behind the mirror/reflector