Question

Describe the construction of a kaleidoscope. [5 marks]

Answer 1

Construction of a kaleidoscope:

• Three rectangular mirror strips of dimensions 15cm × 4cm (l × b) are joined together to form a prism (figure: a). [1 mark]
• This prism is fixed into a circular cardboard tube. The circular cardboard tube should be slightly longer that the prism (figure: b). [1 mark]
• This circular tube is now closed at one end with a cardboard disc. This disc has a hole in it through which we can see (figure: c). [1 mark]
• At the other end of the circular tube, a plane glass plate is fixed. It is important that this glass plate touches the prism mirrors. [1 mark]
• On this glass plate, several small and broken pieces of coloured glass are placed. This end is now closed by a round glass plate allowing enough space for the coloured glass pieces to move (figure: d). [1 mark]