6A10.45 - Mirrors - Parallel Mirrors and Infinite Images

Code Number:
6A10.45
Demo Title:
Mirrors - Parallel Mirrors and Infinite Images
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Reflections
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Infinity mirror (table top model), Plexiglas mirrors with stand (1 mirror with a hole in the center), animal objects.
Procedure:

The table top mirror is ready to go once it is plugged in and turned on.

Place the two Plexiglas mirrors in the stand.  Place an object between the two mirrors and look through the hole at the multiple images.  You may also look over the top edge of the closer mirror and see the images.

References:
  • Pavel Fadeev, "Two Mirrors: Infinite Images of DiCaprio", TPT, Vol. 53, #8, Nov. 2015, p. 473.
  • Chris Chiaverina, "Making a Little Room for Science", TPT, Vol. 46, #8, Nov. 2008, p. 507.
  • "Little Gems", TPT, Vol. 44, #1, Jan. 2006, p. 52. 
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics", TPT, Vol. 43, #4, Apr. 2005, p. 243.
  • Martin Gardner, "How Far Apart?", TPT, Vol. 34, #8, Nov. 1996, p. 486.
  • Jay S. Huebner, "Multiple Reflections from Common Mirrors", TPT, Vol. 25, #4, Apr. 1987, p. 233.
  • Michael Ruiz and Terry L. Robinson, "Illusions with Plane Mirrors", TPT, Vol. 25, #4, Apr. 1987, p. 206.
  • Edwin R. Jones and R. D. Edge, "Optics of the Rear-View Mirror: A Laboratory Experiment", TPT, Vol. 24, #4, Apr. 1986, p. 221.
  • George W. Ficken, Jr., "Decoration Based Upon Multiple Reflections", TPT, Vol. 23, #2, Feb. 1985, p. 93.
  • Raymond L. Lee, Jr. and Javier Hernandez-Andres, "Virtual Tunnels and Green Glass: The Colors of Common Mirrors", AJP, Vol. 72, #1, Jan. 2004, p. 53.
  • Hector Covarrubias M. "Successive Reflections of a Light Beam on a Pair of Plane Mirrors", AJP, Vol. 55, #6, June 1990, p. 565.
  • Ob-6, Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • O-120: "Barber Shop & Fixed Angle", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • Martin Gardner, "54, How Far Apart", Smart Science Tricks, p. 85.
  • Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "A Long Look", Bet You Can!, p. 54.
  • "An Army in a Small Box", The Boy Mechanic Makes Toys, p. 218.
  • "Look Into Infinity", Exploratorium Science Snackbook, p. 61.1.
  • Ron Hipschman, "Look Into Infinity", Exploratorium Cookbook II, p. 109.1.
  • Bobby Mercer, "The Never Ending Flame", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 125.
  • Bobby Mercer, "To Infinity and Beyond", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 128.
  • Sara Stein, "Through The Looking-Glass", The Science Book, p. 197.

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.