Chinese "Magic" Mirror Setup
Chinese "Magic" Mirror Image
Chinese "Magic" Mirror Reflected Image

 

Code Number: 6A10.80

Demo Title: Chinese "Magic" Mirror

Condition: Excellent

Area of Study: Optics

Equipment:

Chinese "Magic" Mirror and Light Box.

Procedure: 

The "Magic Mirror" has an intricate pattern on one side and looks like a very good polished mirror on the other.  If you reflect light from the polished side onto a screen, the intricate pattern that is on the opposite side of the mirror appears on the screen.  This has to do with the alignment of the metal molecules as the intricated pattern is being pounded into the metal.  Even when the metal is polished, the alignment is still apparent in reflection.   

References:

  • Ping-Kee Tao and Hong-Moon Lee, "Classroom Investigation of the Chinese 'Magic' Mirror", TPT, Vol. 35, #9, Dec. 1997, p. 536.
  • Derek B. Swinson, "'Magic' Mirrors—Front and Back", TPT, Vol. 32, #6, Sept. 1994, p. 329.
  • Ron Edge, "Great Fun!", TPT, Vol. 31, #6, Sept. 1993, p. 325.
  • Yan‐lai Yan, "Three Demonstrations from Ancient Chinese Bronzeware", TPT, Vol. 30, #6, Sept. 1992, p. 341.
  • Roger H. Stuewer, "Japanese 'Magic' Mirrors", TPT, Vol. 30, #6, Sept. 1992, p. 327.
  • Derek B. Swinson, "Chinese 'Magic' Mirrors", TPT, Vol. 30, #5, May 1992, p. 295.