6A20.47 - Mirrors - Spherical Reflectors

Code Number:
6A20.47
Demo Title:
Mirrors - Spherical Reflectors
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Spherical Mirrors
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Lawn Ornaments or Christmas Tree Balls in Various Arrays.
Procedure:

No set up is required.  The standard use of these is to put an object or point at one of the balls.  The image in all of the surrounding balls should be pointing to the initial ball.

References:
  • Jearl Walker, "The Amateur Scientist: The Distorted Images Seen in Christmas-Tree Ornaments and Other Reflecting Balls", Scientific American, Vol. 259, #6, Dec. 1988, p. 112.
  • George M. Hopkins, "Light", Experimental Science, p. 210.
  • Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Optics with Crystal Earrings", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.142.
  • Jearl Walker, "7.28. Peculiar Reflection from a Christmas Tree Ball", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 316.
  • Jearl Walker, "6.68. Dark Triangles Among the Decorations", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 268.
  • "91.1. Spherical Reflections", Exploratorium Science Snackbook.
  • Raymond Bruman, "Spherical Reflections", Exploratorium Cookbook I, p. 19.1 - 19.2.
  • Robert Ehrlich, "P.10. Turning the World Inside Out", Turning the World Inside Out and 174 Other Simple Physics Demonstrations, p. 184 - 185.

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