6A20.37 - Mirrors - Pendulum and Hemispherical Mirror

Code Number:
6A20.37
Demo Title:
Mirrors - Pendulum and Hemispherical Mirror
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Concave, Convex Mirrors, Focal Lengths
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
"Virtual Reality Mirror".
Procedure:

The "Virtual Reality Mirror" is an interesting variation.  It is a 8 inch diameter hemispherical mirror that is silvered on both sides for concave and convex demonstrations.  A dizzying effect is to suspend a ball at the center of the mirror and set it to swinging into and out of the mirror in pendulum fashion.  Watching the image during this process can bring about interesting individual reactions.

References:
  • John W. Jewett Jr., "Bringing (Century-Old) Technology into the Classroom, Part II: Teaching Vibrations and Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, and Optics with Antiques", TPT, Vol. 54, #1, Jan. 2016, p. 24.
  • Borislaw Bilash II and David Maiullo, "Inside Up, Outside Down", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 334.
  • Bobby Mercer, "Flash of Color", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 107.

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.