Conceptual difficulties in interpreting the real image of an object

Abstract

This work was conducted to investigate the understanding of the concept of real image observation among students and teachers of physics. We studied the implications of inadequate explanation of the role of the eyes in the observation of the real and virtual images of an object and in understanding the laws of geometrical optics. The eyes have been given a far more significant role in the observation of virtual images than that of real images in the majority of textbooks for students at all levels of the educational system, from primary school to university level. This leads to several incorrect conclusions about the possibility of observing real images using the eyes. To correct this mistaken perception, this work suggests ways of explaining the role of the eye in real and virtual image observation in textbooks for students of different ages and at all levels.

The eye caustic of a ball lens

“…Second, students often struggle to relate their own observations to the ray model of light, particularly when the eye's involvement in image formation is more pronounced [9]. This challenging aspect has been extensively studied in the context of thin lenses [10][11][12][13]. Lens phenomena always refer to either the detached or to the embedded perspective.…”