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Anonymous9001
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If you place two mirrors directly on top of each other what exactly happens? My physics teacher says that it will create a perfectly black body?
What Happens When Mirrors Face Each Other?
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In summary, when placing two mirrors directly on top of each other, you will get a lot of reflections. This creates a perfectly black body if there is a light source. In order to see light, it must enter your eye. The light we see is made up of individual photons traveling from a source towards our eyes. In an experiment with one photon passing by two observers, the photon cannot be seen as it cannot bounce off of anything. Seeing requires the absorption of photons in the eye.
- #2
JaredJames
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Facing each other?
You get a lot of reflections (assuming a light source). If not, it's no different to anything else in the dark.
You get a lot of reflections (assuming a light source). If not, it's no different to anything else in the dark.
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AstrophysicsX
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In order to see light, it mst travel through our eyes correct?
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Drakkith
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Yes, light needs to enter your eye in order for you to see.
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AstrophysicsX
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What exactly do we see? Is the light we see just individual photons traveling from a source towards our eyes?
If so, say we set up an experiment where 1 photon is traveling through space past two observers. Also, say these observers were small enough to see the photon. Who would see it?
If so, say we set up an experiment where 1 photon is traveling through space past two observers. Also, say these observers were small enough to see the photon. Who would see it?
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Drakkith
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AstrophysicsX said:
For you to see anything a photon (in reality MANY photons) must enter your eye, strike a specific molecule in your retina and cause that molecule to change shape. This sets off a chain of events that eventually causes your brain to "see" something.
You couldn't SEE a photon. The process of seeing involves absorbing photons that are emitted or reflected off of other objects and absorbed in your eye. Since nothing can bounce off of a photon, there isn't anything to see. It quite literally doesn't look like anything.
FAQ: What Happens When Mirrors Face Each Other?
1. What is the phenomenon that occurs when two mirrors face each other?
The phenomenon that occurs when two mirrors face each other is called the "mirror effect" or "infinite regression." This happens when light bounces back and forth between the two mirrors, creating an illusion of endless reflections.
2. Why do the reflections in the two mirrors appear to get smaller as they go on?
The reflections in the two mirrors appear to get smaller as they go on because each time the light bounces off a mirror, it loses a small amount of energy. This energy loss results in a slightly dimmer reflection, making it appear smaller each time.
3. Can the mirror effect happen with any two mirrors?
Yes, the mirror effect can happen with any two mirrors that are facing each other at a certain angle. However, the effect will be more noticeable with high-quality, flat mirrors that have a low amount of distortion.
4. Is there a limit to how many reflections can be seen in the two mirrors?
Technically, there is no limit to how many reflections can be seen in the two mirrors. However, as the reflections get smaller and dimmer with each bounce, they eventually become too faint to be seen by the human eye.
5. Can the mirror effect be used for practical applications?
Yes, the mirror effect can be used for practical applications such as creating an optical illusion or as a tool in physics experiments. It can also be used in the design of optical instruments and devices such as telescopes and laser resonators.