Mirrors reflecting images infinitely

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of infinite reflections created by two parallel mirrors in a bathroom setting. Participants explore potential solutions to mitigate the nauseating effect of these reflections, considering both practical adjustments and theoretical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that changing the angle between the mirrors could limit the number of visible images.
  • Another participant proposes removing one of the mirrors or making them less reflective as possible solutions.
  • A suggestion is made to use a mirror that acts as a window on one side, although another participant argues that such a mirror does not exist in the proposed form, only as a semi-transparent illusion under specific lighting conditions.
  • One participant mentions that changing the angle of one mirror may not significantly reduce the number of images but could alter their appearance when a person moves.
  • Several participants reference a scene from the original Batman TV show involving a one-way mirror, discussing its implications and questioning the feasibility of similar effects in real life.
  • Another participant humorously notes the concept of an "infinite bathroom" as a planner's nightmare, raising questions about virtual space and rates.
  • One participant expresses doubt about the effectiveness of using a small mirror to see behind a one-way mirror, suggesting that the observer would need to create a significant brightness difference to see through.
  • The original poster concludes that they may have to remove a mirror or accept the situation as it is.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that removing one of the mirrors is a straightforward solution, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of other proposed methods, such as changing angles or using special mirrors. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of some suggestions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about mirror properties and lighting conditions are not fully explored, and the discussion includes speculative ideas without detailed analysis of their feasibility.

adrian99
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Hi Everyone,

This is a physics problem but also an everyday home one I'm trying to resolve. In our bathroom, we have two mirrors on opposite walls (parallel walls)... because of this, they reflect images of the person between them infinitely many times - it's actually quite a bit nauseating to someone in the household. Besides the obvious solution of removing one of the mirrors, is there a way to prevent this infinite effect?

For example, slightly changing the angle of a mirror (although it may still reflect in some angles probably?) or maybe changing one of the mirrors to a mirror that is a window on one side and a mirror on the other (would light get trapped?)... or perhaps adding a mirror like that in front of one of the mirrors... Not really sure what can be done. The house is in its final stages of construction so things can be changed slightly.

Thanks!
Adrian
 
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An angle between the mirrors will limit the amount of images one can see.

Remove one of the mirrors? Make them less reflective?

or maybe changing one of the mirrors to a mirror that is a window on one side and a mirror on the other
That does not exist. You can get that illusion with a semi-transparent mirror if one side of the mirror is much brighter than the other side, but it is just an illusion.
 
Just remove one of the mirrors. Changing the angle of one slightly will have limited effect on the number of images but may make the effect appear to move around more when the person moves.
 
I recall an episode of the original Batman TV show from the 60's in which Batman suspects he is being observered by someone behind a one-way mirror...

Batman picks up a small mirror and holds it up to the one-way mirror, and is able to see the guy behind the glass of the one-way mirror in the reflection of the little mirror's image in the one-way mirror.
 
bahamagreen said:
I recall an episode of the original Batman TV show from the 60's in which Batman suspects he is being observered by someone behind a one-way mirror...

Batman picks up a small mirror and holds it up to the one-way mirror, and is able to see the guy behind the glass of the one-way mirror in the reflection of the little mirror's image in the one-way mirror.
I did not analyze it in detail, but I doubt this would work.
 
An infinite bathroom? A planner's nightmare. Would you need to pay virtual rates on the extra virtual floor area?
 
mfb said:
I did not analyze it in detail, but I doubt this would work.

You must be correct. The image in his mirror would be the same as what he would see, looking directly, I reckon.
The only way would be for him to go up close to the mirror and use his cape over his head to exclude light from the room he's in (like a victorian photographer). Then the observer's side would be brighter and the caped crusader could see. But not very good cinema, perhaps.
 
Thanks for the replies... sounds like I'm basically out of luck... will probably have to remove a mirror or just live with the infinite reflections!
 

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