Is the Universe Like the Inside Of A Spherical Mirror

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a large spherical mirror that can hold a human. The participants question what a person's reflection would look like in this mirror, considering the position of their eye, color perception, and the presence of light. They also mention a java applet simulator for this scenario and the possibility of using a cylinder instead of a sphere. Ultimately, it is suggested that if the eye is at the center, the reflection would show a magnified view of one point on the body.
  • #1
Godswitch
34
0
If a spherical mirror was constructed large enough to hold a human with, let's say 20 feet all round, and assuming once positioned centrally and you could see what would your reflection look like?

And by that I am asking just what would you see, would you see any other colour apart from the point of focus and what you were looking at, if you were looking directly ahead, would that not be the back of your head or infact an entire image of your body in 3D form laid out in a flat 2D form or would the reflection be intelligible...?
 
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  • #2
Is there a light? :P
 
  • #3
TylerH said:
Is there a light? :P

Yes there is a light, situated offset centre of the sphere. Alternatively the mirrored surface is a 2 way allowing light in but not out, hence.
 
  • #4
There are several instance of this question on Internet.
Here is a java applet simulator (I don't know if it's accurate). You can move both blue circles (eye and target).
http://www.cut-the-knot.org/Curriculum/Geometry/MirrorSphere.shtml

I don't think you need a spherical mirror though, a cylinder should suffice to study the effects.
 
  • #5
If your eye were at the center, you'd see the black color of your eye lens no matter which direction you looked. If your eye were off-center, you would approximately see one point on your body in extreme magnification, but it would be elongated in one direction.
 

1. Is the universe really like the inside of a spherical mirror?

There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that the universe resembles the inside of a spherical mirror. This is simply a hypothetical concept and has not been proven through empirical observation or experimentation.

2. What does it mean for the universe to be like the inside of a spherical mirror?

This concept suggests that the universe is finite and has a spherical shape, with the outer edges acting as a reflective surface that bounces back light and energy, creating the illusion of an infinite and never-ending universe.

3. How did the idea of the universe as a spherical mirror come about?

The idea of the universe as a spherical mirror is a philosophical and theoretical concept that has been explored by thinkers and scientists for centuries. It is often used as a metaphor to help explain the nature of the universe and its potential shape and boundaries.

4. Are there any theories or evidence that support the idea of the universe as a spherical mirror?

While there are some theories and mathematical models that suggest a spherical shape for the universe, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea of the universe as a spherical mirror. The majority of scientific evidence points towards a flat or slightly curved universe.

5. What are some alternative theories to the idea of the universe as a spherical mirror?

There are numerous alternative theories and models proposed by scientists and philosophers to explain the shape and structure of the universe. Some of these include the Big Bang theory, the multiverse theory, and the holographic principle, among others. Each of these theories offers a different perspective on the nature of the universe and its potential shape.

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