Book 13, Question 73
Why Do Funhouse Mirrors Make You Look Wide or Skinny?
Funhouse mirrors are curved and bumpy, so each part bends the reflection differently. A bump pushing outward makes you look skinnier there. A dip curving inward makes you look wider.
More fun facts
- Funhouse mirrors are curved instead of flat.
- Mirrors that bulge outward are convex, and they bounce light rays apart.
- Mirrors that curve inward are concave, and they bring light together.
- A mirror curved in only one direction stretches or squeezes you in only that direction.
- That is why one funhouse mirror can make you look tall and skinny and another short and wide.
Sources: Scientific American, NASA
Questions kids ask
Why does a curved mirror change your shape?
Its curve spreads out or gathers the light rays, which stretches or squeezes your reflection.