Question

How is the phenomenon of reflection used in making a kaleidoscope? What are the applications of a kaleidoscope?

Answer 1

• Kaleidoscope is a cylinder with three mirrors containing loose, coloured objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other end creates a colourful pattern due to reflection.
• It works on the principle of multiple reflections, where several mirrors are placed at an angle (usually ${60}^{\circ }$ ) to one another. Typically, these are three rectangular mirrors set to ${60}^{\circ }$ to each other so that they form an equilateral triangle.
• The ${60}^{\circ }$ angle creates seven duplicate images of the objects, 5 at ${60}^{\circ }$ and 2 at ${90}^{\circ }$. As the tube is rotated, the tumbling of the coloured objects presents varying colours and patterns.
• It is used for decoration purposes, toys, etc. It is also useful for designers and artists to get an idea for new patterns to design wallpapers, jewellery and fabrics.