Between two mirrors. Real experiment.

In summary, two flat mirrors can be placed parallel to each other at any distance, with an object between them, and an infinite line of images of the object can be seen due to repeated reflections. In another experiment, a perfect sphere made of reflective material with a light source at its center would cause the light to burn out quickly and potentially destroy the sphere. Another proposed experiment involves a sphere that allows light to enter but not escape, which would result in the sphere getting increasingly hot until it is destroyed.
  • #36
Chen said:
In that case, the question has a very simple answer. The object exists, the image doesn't. That's why it's called an imaginary image and not a real image (which is created by convex lenses in some cases).
Are you sure this image does not exist without observer?
 
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  • #37
I see the main question in this problem as :
- what distinction between an object and its image in a mirror?
Chen said:
In that case, the question has a very simple answer. The object exists, the image doesn't. That's why it's called an imaginary image and not a real image (which is created by convex lenses in some cases).
Be careful here - when dealing with optics, there is such a thing as a "real" and "virtual" image. Obviously, none of the images are the object itself though (thats why they are called "images"). Yes, the problem is one of definitions: Dmitri, you need to use the accepted definitions here or you can't comunicate your point.

http://dept.physics.upenn.edu/courses/gladney/phys151/lectures/lecture_apr_14_2003.shtml [Broken]

Simply put, a real image is one projected on a screen and a virtual one appears to float in space.
 
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  • #38
Isn't there research being done to create a crystal that traps light? This idea is inspired by the cell structure of some kind of butterfly. It has very unusual optical properties. It amazed scientists becuase it was so complex.

I don't remember the details, you could try a google search.
 
  • #39
russ_watters said:
Be careful here - when dealing with optics, there is such a thing as a "real" and "virtual" image. Obviously, none of the images are the object itself though (thats why they are called "images"). Yes, the problem is one of definitions: Dmitri, you need to use the accepted definitions here or you can't comunicate your point.

http://dept.physics.upenn.edu/courses/gladney/phys151/lectures/lecture_apr_14_2003.shtml [Broken]

Simply put, a real image is one projected on a screen and a virtual one appears to float in space.
I have described this difference at post # 33. It define WHY it is happen.
 
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  • #40
Chen makes a good point: An image is not real. The brain reconstructs this information from visual information. It is tricked. Other senses, e.g. touch, confirm that there is no image there. This BTW is true whether in optics the image is classified as "real" or "virtual". That is optics jargon and defines the word "real" differently.

MD wants to think of the image as existing in some other dimension. If that's helpful, fine. But this "existence" will have no other real implications besides that which is known from the usual optical explanations. So scientifically I find it a useless complication, and lance it with Occam. Nevertheless, it still has the power to entertain as in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass".
 
  • #41
Originally Posted by Doc Al
A simpler way to look at it: Light from me hits the mirror at all points creating a single virtual image--visible from any vantage point--on the other side of the mirror. The image is not on the surface of the mirror. The reflected light that allows anyone to see the image (from different perspective) is always there, whether or not there is an observer to see it.

If SOMETHING exist whether or not there is an observer to see it, then this SOMETHING is REAL. Is it not so?
 
  • #42
Michael F. Dmitriyev said:
If SOMETHING exist whether or not there is an observer to see it, then this SOMETHING is REAL. Is it not so?
That sounds reasonable to me. In this example, what is real is the light that reflects from the mirror, which exists even if there is no observer to see it. (The image is virtual however.)
 
  • #43
krab said:
MD wants to think of the image as existing in some other dimension. If that's helpful, fine. But this "existence" will have no other real implications besides that which is known from the usual optical explanations. So scientifically I find it a useless complication, and lance it with Occam. Nevertheless, it still has the power to entertain as in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass".

No, it is not an other dimension. This is the space without time. Replacement of a sign at one of spatial dimension results in exception of time:
{x, y, z, t}-->mirror--> {-x, y, z}
It is for a case with a single mirror.
Restoration of an initial sign results in restoration of time.
For a case with two parallel mirrors:
{x, y, z, t}->mirror1->{-x, y, z}->mirror2->{2x, y, z, t}->mirror1->{-2x, y, z}->mirror2 {4x, y, z, t} … etc.
Does this the process not the process of generation of space and time?
According to BB theory the universe has arisen from one singular point.
There may be this principle underlies expansion of the universe – generation of spacetime between two mirrors?
 
  • #44
By the way, my scale of light frequencies contains two mirror point. Is it a casual coincidence?
 
<h2>1. What is the "between two mirrors" experiment?</h2><p>The "between two mirrors" experiment is a simple optical experiment that involves placing two mirrors facing each other and observing the reflections that occur between them.</p><h2>2. How does the "between two mirrors" experiment work?</h2><p>The experiment works by reflecting light back and forth between the two mirrors, creating an infinite number of reflections. This is known as the "hall of mirrors" effect.</p><h2>3. What can be learned from the "between two mirrors" experiment?</h2><p>The experiment can demonstrate the principles of reflection and the properties of light. It can also be used to measure the speed of light and to study the behavior of light waves.</p><h2>4. What materials are needed for the "between two mirrors" experiment?</h2><p>All that is needed for this experiment are two mirrors and a light source. The mirrors should be placed parallel to each other and the light source should be positioned between them.</p><h2>5. Are there any variations of the "between two mirrors" experiment?</h2><p>Yes, there are many variations of this experiment that can be done. For example, using different types of mirrors, changing the distance between the mirrors, or adding objects between the mirrors can produce different results and further demonstrate the principles of reflection and light.</p>

1. What is the "between two mirrors" experiment?

The "between two mirrors" experiment is a simple optical experiment that involves placing two mirrors facing each other and observing the reflections that occur between them.

2. How does the "between two mirrors" experiment work?

The experiment works by reflecting light back and forth between the two mirrors, creating an infinite number of reflections. This is known as the "hall of mirrors" effect.

3. What can be learned from the "between two mirrors" experiment?

The experiment can demonstrate the principles of reflection and the properties of light. It can also be used to measure the speed of light and to study the behavior of light waves.

4. What materials are needed for the "between two mirrors" experiment?

All that is needed for this experiment are two mirrors and a light source. The mirrors should be placed parallel to each other and the light source should be positioned between them.

5. Are there any variations of the "between two mirrors" experiment?

Yes, there are many variations of this experiment that can be done. For example, using different types of mirrors, changing the distance between the mirrors, or adding objects between the mirrors can produce different results and further demonstrate the principles of reflection and light.

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