Why Can't Observer See Image 4 & 3 in 2 Plane Mirrors?

  • Thread starter kenny1999
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In summary, when an object is placed in front of two perpendicular plane mirrors, there are 5 images formed (indicated by blue dots) as illustrated in the figure. The observer cannot see images 3 and 4 because they are in the plane of reflection of mirror 1 in mirror 2 and no light from the object can pass through those points. This can be verified by drawing a ray diagram. The observer can only see images 1, 2, and 5.
  • #1
kenny1999
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there is two plane mirror which is placed perpendicular to each other, as shown in the figure below. An object (indicated by the red dot) is placed
in front of the mirrors and then there are 5 image formed (indicated by the blue dot 1,2,3,4,5, as illustrated in the figure)

which image that the observer CANNOT see? I know the answer is image 4 and 3, but why? I want to know why the observer cannot see image 3,4
and why he can see image 1,2,5... Thanks all

38f0604a44c2.jpg
 
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  • #2
The position of the object is such that any light from the object cannot go through point 3 and 4, because they are in the plane of the reflection of mirror1 in mirrpr2 . Draw the ray diagram and verify your self.
 
  • #3


The reason the observer cannot see image 4 and 3 in the two plane mirrors is due to the principle of reflection. When light hits a surface, it reflects off at an angle that is equal to the angle at which it hits the surface. In the case of plane mirrors, the light from the object is reflected off at the same angle as it hits the mirror, creating an image that appears to be behind the mirror.

In the situation described, the object is placed in front of the mirrors, and the observer is standing in front of the mirrors as well. The observer can only see the images that are formed by the light that enters their eye. In this case, the observer can only see images 1, 2, and 5 because those are the only images that are formed by the light that enters their eye.

Image 3 and 4 are formed by light that is reflected off the first mirror and then reflected again off the second mirror. This creates a complex reflection pattern that does not enter the observer's eye, making these images invisible to the observer.

In summary, the observer cannot see images 3 and 4 because the light from those images does not enter their eye due to the principle of reflection. The observer can only see images 1, 2, and 5 because the light from those images directly enters their eye.
 

What is the phenomenon behind the inability of observers to see image 4 and 3 in 2 plane mirrors?

The phenomenon behind this is known as the "infinity effect" or "infinity mirror effect". This occurs when two mirrors are placed parallel to each other, creating multiple reflections that continue infinitely.

Why can't observers see image 4 and 3 in 2 plane mirrors?

As light reflects off of the first mirror, it creates an image that is then reflected off of the second mirror. This process continues infinitely, making it impossible for the eye to focus on any one image. Instead, the eye sees a blur of reflections.

Can any number of plane mirrors be used to create the infinity effect?

Yes, the infinity effect can be created with any number of parallel plane mirrors. However, the effect becomes more pronounced with each additional mirror, as the reflections become more numerous and complex.

Does the distance between the mirrors affect the infinity effect?

Yes, the distance between the mirrors does have an impact on the infinity effect. The closer the mirrors are to each other, the more reflections are created, leading to a stronger and more defined infinity effect.

Is there any practical application for the infinity effect?

The infinity effect is mainly used for visual effects and illusions, such as in art installations or in the entertainment industry. However, it also has practical applications in lasers and fiber optics, where multiple reflections are utilized to enhance the intensity and direction of light.

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