Book 13, Question 54
Why Do Two Mirrors Facing Each Other Show Endless Copies?
Two mirrors facing each other show endless copies because each mirror reflects the other again and again. The copies line up like a tunnel, each one smaller than the last. In theory they never end, but they slowly fade away.
More fun facts
- Two mirrors facing each other make a seemingly endless line of images.
- You may have seen this in a barbershop or salon.
- Each mirror reflects the image in the other mirror, again and again.
- After the first reflection, you see your front in one mirror and your back in the other.
- Even high quality mirrors absorb and scatter a small part of the light hitting them.
- Because of that, the copies get dimmer and you cannot see an infinite number.
Sources: Exploratorium, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
Are there really infinite copies?
No. Each mirror loses a little light, so the copies fade away.