B Light beams and their reflection

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In a discussion about light beams and their reflections, participants explore the visibility of laser beams in smoke and their reflections in mirrors. They note that while the laser beam can be made visible with smoke, the reflection in the mirror appears disconnected from the beam itself. The conversation touches on the nature of ordinary mirrors and virtual images, with some confusion about how light travels and scatters. Ultimately, the consensus is that scattering is key to visibility, but the effect is often too subtle to be perceived without sufficient illumination. The discussion raises questions about visibility in different environments, such as outer space, where scattering is minimal.
  • #61
As far as I am concerned, this thread can be closed.
 
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  • #62
That was the “horticulture” saying, iirc.
 
  • #63
The problem seems to be not that @elou doesn't understand our explanations, it is that he doesn't believe them. Obviously, people can believe whatever they wish. That doesn't mean they can call it science.

I think at this point, the best advice is that he spend the $5 on a cheap laser pointer and see whatever what he has been told matches observation or not.
 
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  • #64
Here's another thing to explain. The image in a mirror is reversed, left to right, right? Why is it not also reversed top to bottom? Is it an effect of gravity? Will it be different in outer space? I think if @elou can work this out he will be on his way to answering the laser question.
 
  • #65
elou said:
As far as I am concerned, this thread can be closed.
I am glad we could help.
 

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