Light Rays - Virtual Image Question?

Question

A student argues that you cannot photograph a virtual image because light rays do not pass through the space where the image is formed.

How would you form an argument AGAINST this statement?

I say that the camera is acting as an eye, which is capturing the light from the light source that forms the image so in effect, it is the "same" as capturing the virtual image.

Would there be a better argument? thanks for any help.

Answer 1

light rays do not pass through the space where the virtual limage is formed.



But some where in front of ithis virual image there will be a surfaace from which rays are comming and falling into the camera. These rays appear to form image beyond that surface.



For example we can think of a plane mirror. Ray are comming from the plane mirror and fall in the retina of our eye or on the film of the camera. But no rays are comming from the image: they appear to come from them.



However actual rays are comming from the mirror surface.

Answer 2

Yeah, if your eye can see it, then a camera could too. The image is formed on your retina, not the space where it supposedly is virtually located. (edit: so the light rays do exist where the image is formed, contrary to the students statement)



You might have to manually focus the camera though, as the auto focus could be confused.

Answer 3

Your argument is correct.



Either your friend is dumb or he dont like to give up an argument