Question

Describe the construction of a kaleidoscope.

Answer 1

A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument consisting of three or more reflecting surfaces. These surfaces are tilted towards each other at a certain angle to obtain symmetrical patterns when viewed from the other end. The basic principles used in the kaleidoscope are the laws of reflection, and multiple reflections.

Construction procedure:

• Take three equal-sized plane mirror strips and arrange them in such a way that they form an equilateral triangle(all the angles of a triangle is 60 degrees). As shown in figure (a).
• Cover the sides of the mirrors with chart paper. As shown in figure (b).
• Now, cover the top portion with the chart paper and make a hole in it to see. As shown in figure (c).
• Rotate it, and put some colored things such as pieces of bangles and beads inside it. Now with the help of a chart paper, covers the open side of the mirrors, as shown in the figure (d).
• You can wrap the entire piece with colored paper to make it attractive.
• Now, rotate it and see through its opening. You can see the beautiful patterns.