The Mirror Question: What Changes in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of mirrors and the implications of their reflective properties on the laws of physics. Participants explore the concept of how mirrors reflect images, particularly addressing the common belief that mirrors reverse images in a way that alters their orientation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that mirrors reflect images in a way that is significantly altered by being "backwards," framing this as a known fact.
  • Another participant challenges this notion, stating that the term "backwards" is a misconception and suggests that the correct term is "mirrored." They argue that the perception of being "backwards" is a psychological effect rather than a physical one.
  • A later reply reiterates the psychological aspect, emphasizing that the perceived reversal is not a matter of physics but rather how humans interpret mirrored images.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the characterization of mirror reflections. While some maintain that mirrors reverse images, others argue that this is a misconception, leading to an unresolved debate on the nature of the reflection and its implications for physics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the terminology used to describe mirror reflections and the psychological interpretations involved. There is no consensus on whether the reflection's nature has implications for the laws of physics.

mesaphlin
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Hello Everyone,

I was just thinking about a question about mirrors and this specific question has been making me thinking about it for a long time and I still couldn't find the answer.

The question is simply about mirrors.

A mirror reflects images that are significantly altered by being backwards - this is the known fact.

My question is that what changes in overall laws of physics if mirrors reflect the images without being backwards?

I hope I made my question clear.
 
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mesaphlin said:
A mirror reflects images that are significantly altered by being backwards
Not backwards, just mirrored.

mesaphlin said:
My question is that what changes in overall laws of physics if mirrors reflect the images without being backwards?
If something doesn't mirror the image, then it is not a mirror. Nothing to do with physics.
 
okay - thanks
 
mesaphlin said:
Hello Everyone,

I was just thinking about a question about mirrors and this specific question has been making me thinking about it for a long time and I still couldn't find the answer.

The question is simply about mirrors.

A mirror reflects images that are significantly altered by being backwards - this is the known fact.
No, that is NOT a "known fact". It is a "common misconception".
If you walk up to a person and, say, shake hands, your right side is on his left side, your left side is on his right side. To shake each other's right hand, you have to have to reach across your body. He is 'backwards' (reversed would be a better word) to you.

When you look into a mirror, that does not happen- the image is NOT "backwards" but appears to be "wrong" because you are used to seeing people "backwards".

My question is that what changes in overall laws of physics if mirrors reflect the images without being backwards?

I hope I made my question clear.
It is not a matter of physics, it is a matter of psychology.
 
HallsofIvy said:
No, that is NOT a "known fact". It is a "common misconception".
If you walk up to a person and, say, shake hands, your right side is on his left side, your left side is on his right side. To shake each other's right hand, you have to have to reach across your body. He is 'backwards' (reversed would be a better word) to you.

When you look into a mirror, that does not happen- the image is NOT "backwards" but appears to be "wrong" because you are used to seeing people "backwards".


It is not a matter of physics, it is a matter of psychology.

I understand it now. Thank you so much.
 

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