Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we're going to explore how multiple images are created using two plane mirrors. Can anyone tell me what happens when light reflects off a surface?
It bounces back into the same medium!
Exactly! Now, when we place two mirrors at an angle, they can create multiple reflections. This is an exciting aspect of light behavior. How many of you have seen a funhouse mirror?
I have! It looks like there are so many versions of myself!
That's a great example! In essence, the angle between the mirrors will dictate how many images we see.
Now, let’s discuss the formula to determine the number of images formed. If the angle between the mirrors is , the formula is . Can anyone explain what represents?
It represents the number of images!
Very good! And what's ?
The angle between the two mirrors!
Correct! As the angle decreases, the value of increases, meaning more images. Let’s do a quick calculation. If , how many images do we get?
Let me see, . So 11 images!
Well done!
Now that we understand how multiple images are formed, let's talk about where this is used. What practical applications can you think of?
Periscopes for submarines?
And mirrors in decoration!
Exactly! Periscopes utilize the reflection of light to allow those in submarines to see above water. Mirrors are also often used in decorations to create depth or patterns in designs. This really shows how light can be utilized creatively.
When mirrors meet at a special angle, many images you can wrangle!
Imagine standing between two mirrors; each reflection is a new you, with more appearing as the mirrors close the gap. It's like a party of reflections!
Think of 'IMAGINE' as: I = Images, M = Mirrors, A = Angle, G = Greater angles yield fewer images, I = Inverse relationship, N = Number of images increases as angle decreases, and E = Equal angles create a symmetry.
R.E.F.L.E.C.T: Reflective Effects from Laid Angle Changes in Types - focusing on how angles affect the reflections.
Term
Formula for Multiple Images
Click to flip
Term
Angle decreasing effect
Click to flip
This section discusses how multiple images are formed when two plane mirrors are placed at an angle to each other.
When two plane mirrors are set at an angle, multiple reflections occur, leading to the formation of several images. The number of these images can be calculated using a specific formula depending on the angle between the mirrors.
In this section, we explore the phenomenon of multiple images created by two plane mirrors arranged at an angle to each other. When light reflects off the surface of the mirrors, it can create several distinct images of an object placed between them. The number of images formed is determined by the formula:
where is the number of images formed and is the angle between the two mirrors. This concept is significant as it helps us understand not only the nature of light and reflection but also practical applications like periscopes and decorative designs in interiors. The more acute the angle, the greater the number of images generated, leading to fascinating visual effects.