6A10.10 - Blackboard Optics - Straight Mirrors

Code Number:
6A10.10
Demo Title:
Blackboard Optics - Straight Mirrors
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Reflection & Refraction of Light Waves
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Blackboard Optics Kit, 12 VDC Power Supply, and Dry Erase Blackboard on Wheels.
Procedure:

Video Credit: Jonathan M. Sullivan-Wood

The blackboard optics unit is pretty self explanatory, however there is a pamphlet on its use with the unit and in the file.  Do Not run the power supply for the light bulb over 12 volts.

We can also do a demo on the blackboard optics unit where we explain the situation of incident angle of light rays on a mirror. Draw a straight line near the bottom of the board to represent the mirror. Then use the ellipse maker apparatus to draw your arcs and show the angles. Dry erase markers are in the drawer on the B.B. Optics Unit.

References:
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  • "Martin Gardner, "A Mirror Paradox", TPT, Vol. 30, #1, Jan. 1992, p. 27.
  • Igal Galili, Fred Golberg, and Sharon Bendall, "Some Reflections on Plane Mirrors and Images", TPT, Vol. 29, #7, July 1991, p. 471.
  • Lila M. Adair, "A Reflection on the Game of Tag", TPT, Vol. 27, #5, May 1989, p. 362.
  • Jay S. Huebner, "Multiple Reflections from Common Mirrors", TPT, Vol. 25, #4, Apr. 1987, p. 233.
  • "Erratum", TPT, Vol. 25, #3, Mar. 1987, p. 139.
  • Danel Kaplan, "Plane Mirror Praise", TPT, Vol. 25, #4, Apr. 1987, p. 199.
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  • Marvin Ohriner, "Experimental Demonstration of Fermat's Principle", TPT, Vol. 3, #5, May 1965, p. 230.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "The Half-Length Mirror", AJP, Vol. 92, #6, June 2024, p. 478.
  • G.B. Frieedmann and H. S. Sandrhu, "Phase Changes on Reflection from a Metallic Surface", AJP, Vol. 56, #3, Mar. 1988, p. 270.
  • A. J. de Witte, "Interference in Scattered Light", AJP, Vol. 35, #4, Apr. 1967, p. 301.
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  • Ob-8,11: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics, File.
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  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q7 & 8, A7 & 8, Millergrams I – Some Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 18 & 19 & 78.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q17 & A17, Millergrams I – Some Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 22 & 82.


Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.