Why do mirrors reverse images left-to-right?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why mirrors appear to reverse images left-to-right, focusing on the principles of light and reflection. The original poster seeks clarification on this topic as part of an assignment.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of reflection and whether mirrors actually reverse images. Some suggest that mirrors reverse front to back rather than left to right, while others provide examples to illustrate their points.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of how mirrors function, with some participants providing insights into the mechanics of reflection. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple perspectives are being explored, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty in understanding the concept as part of an assignment, indicating a need for clarification on the topic. Participants question common assumptions about image reversal in mirrors.

relinquished™
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There has been this question that has been bothering me for quite sometime. It is an assignment question I failed to answer...

Can anyone explain to me in terms of light and the laws of reflection the reason why Mirrors reverse an image left-to-right?
 
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They don't.

When it is in front of you, it reverses front to back, not left-right. This makes your left hand look like a right hand.

When you stand on one, it reverses top to bottom. Only when it is to your side, does it reverse left-right.

Njorl
 
A mirror DOESN'T reverse anything. THAT'S why images in a mirror look peculiar. Imagine a person standing beside you stepping in front of you. In order for you to see her, she would have to turn around- i.e. reverse! Because you are used to that, when a mirror DOESN'T reverse, it looks peculiar.

Another example: look in the mirror as you are driving- everything LOOKS reversed. That's not because the mirror has reversed anything. In order to see the same thing without the mirror, you would have to turn around- reversing yourself. Using a mirror you lose that reversal you normally have.
 
I think what Njorl means by "reverses front to back" is that the operation defined by 'reflection' takes P=(x,y,z) to P'=(x,y,-z) for a mirror along z=0.
 
thanx guys.. you've helped me out ^_^
 

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