Reflections can be confusing, especially when you are trying to find your way out of a funhouse in fetes or circus. No matter where you look, a never-ending series of reflections look back. Only by feeling for an opening can you navigate through this maze of mirrors? In this experiment, you’ll build a much smaller, but equally confusing mirror hall.
Things Required:
Three small plastic mirrors (with frames removed)
Coin
Clay
Pencil
Tape
Directions:
Set the base of each mirror in a small lump of clay. Arrange two mirrors on a flat surface so that their sides may form a right angle. Place a coin in the centre of these two mirrors. Examine the reflection of the coin in the mirrors. Change the angle at which the mirrors connect. How does this affect the reflected image?
Remove the coin. Add a third mirror so that a triangle may be formed. Stand a pencil in a clay base. Position the pencil in the centre of this tiny hall of mirrors. Peer into the middle and what do you see?
This Is What Happens:
It’s the mirror again. When you look into one of the mirrors, you see more than the object. You observe a reflection that is reflected and reflected and reflected. This multiple reflection produces a series of images that can appear endless.
