optics.gif (6954 bytes)

LOCATION OF AN IMAGE






EQUIPMENT
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Candles
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Mirror
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Beakers
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Rotating Stand
 



NARRATIVE
            redball.gif (326 bytes)  Single Reflection
                    This demonstration shows that the image in a plane mirror is upright and appears to be the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. Place the two candles on opposite sides of the mirror on a turntable. Align them so that they seem to be one and the same when viewed from the front of the mirror. Remove the rear candle to show that is seemed to occupy the same space as the image.


            redball.gif (326 bytes)  Ghost Candle
                    Without attracting the attention of the class, light the candle. Dim the room lights, and the class "sees" a candle burning in the beaker. Pour water into the beaker to show that only the candle's image APPEARS to be in the beaker.


            redball.gif (326 bytes)  Multiple Reflections
                    Arrange the apparatus as shown in the photograph. Decrease the angle between the mirrors and the number of images increases. Some images act as objects for the other mirror.