Angled Reflection Warmup

In this Warm-Up, find out how many images of an object you can see with only two mirrors. Opening and closing the angle between the mirrors will reveal a fewer or a greater number of reflections. 

Materials & Tools 

• 2 small rectangular mirrors 

• photocopy of a protractor small object (LEGO® people) 

Steps

1. Place the folded mirror along the straight edge of the protractor (0° mark) so that the mirror is opened up. 

2. Place an object between the two mirrors, as shown. 

3. Close the mirrors so only three images show. What angle is this? 

4. Move each end of the taped mirrors to the 60° degree mark on either side of the protractor. How many images do you see now? 

5. How many images can you see if you move the mirrors closer together?