
When a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, an infinite number of images will be formed due to the phenomenon of multiple reflections. The light rays from the candle undergo reflection from one mirror to the other, forming an image each time. The specific distance between the mirrors and the angle at which they are placed can impact the number and quality of the images formed. The concept of a candle between mirrors is often used to explain the functioning of a kaleidoscope.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of images formed | Infinite |
| Distance between mirrors | 40 cm |
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What You'll Learn

How many images are formed
When a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, an infinite number of images are formed. This phenomenon is known as multiple reflections. In this phenomenon, light rays from the candle undergo reflection from one mirror to the other, forming an image each time.
The number of images formed depends on the distance between the two mirrors. If the mirrors are placed at a specific distance apart, the light rays from the candle will reflect back and forth between the mirrors, creating an infinite number of images. However, if the mirrors are too far apart or too close together, the light rays may not align properly, resulting in a smaller number of images.
The concept of multiple reflections can be observed in devices such as kaleidoscopes, where two or more mirrors are positioned at angles to create fascinating patterns and an infinite number of reflections.
It is important to note that the brightness of each image may decrease with each reflection, as the light rays are spread out over a larger area and some light may be absorbed or scattered by the mirrors. Additionally, the clarity of the images may also decrease with each reflection due to factors such as mirror imperfections, dust, or other environmental factors.
In summary, when a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, the phenomenon of multiple reflections results in an infinite number of images being formed. The specific distance between the mirrors and the quality of the mirrors can impact the number and clarity of the images observed.
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The concept of multiple reflection
The phenomenon of multiple reflections occurs when a candle is placed between two parallel plane mirrors. This phenomenon involves light rays reflecting off the mirrors multiple times, leading to the formation of multiple images. The number of images formed depends on the distance between the mirrors and the angle at which they are positioned.
In one scenario, where the mirrors are separated by a distance of 40 cm, an infinite number of images are created. This is due to the multiple reflection phenomenon. One mirror reflects the light rays from the candle, forming an image on the opposite mirror. This image then acts as an object, reflecting off the second mirror and forming another image on the first mirror. This back-and-forth reflection creates an endless series of images.
The specific positioning and angles of the mirrors play a crucial role in the number and quality of the reflected images. For example, when the plane mirrors are placed at a 45-degree angle to each other, the number and arrangement of images differ compared to when they are parallel. Additionally, the distance between the candle and the mirrors also affects the number and brightness of the images formed.
The phenomenon of multiple reflections, as observed when a candle is placed between mirrors, is a fascinating illustration of how light behaves and interacts with reflective surfaces. This concept has practical applications in various fields, including optics, photography, and even interior design, where mirrors are used to create the illusion of space and enhance lighting.
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The brightness of the room
When a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, an infinite number of images will be formed due to the phenomenon of multiple reflections. The light rays from the candle will reflect off one mirror and form an image on the other mirror. This image will then behave as an object and form another image on the opposite mirror, and the process will repeat, creating an infinite number of images.
Additionally, the brightness of the room will depend on the distance between the candle and the mirrors, as well as the angle of incidence of the light rays. If the candle is closer to the mirrors or if the angle of incidence is optimal, the brightness of the reflected light will be higher. Conversely, if the candle is farther away or the angle of incidence is less favourable, the brightness will be lower.
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The distance between mirrors
When a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, the distance between the mirrors affects the number and quality of the candle's reflected images. In one scenario, two plane mirrors are placed 12 cm apart, facing each other. A candle is placed between them at a distance of 8 cm from one of the mirrors. The distance between the mirrors and the placement of the candle create multiple reflections, resulting in an infinite number of images of the candle. As the distance between the images increases, the images become fainter.
The phenomenon of multiple reflections occurs when light rays from the candle reflect off one mirror and form an image on the other mirror. This image then behaves as an object, forming another image on the opposite mirror, and the process repeats. The specific arrangement of the mirrors and candle thus creates an infinite series of reflected images.
The distance between the mirrors and the placement of the candle within this setup can vary, resulting in different outcomes. For example, if the candle is placed at a distance of 0.2d from the mirror, where d represents the distance between the mirrors, the number and characteristics of the reflected images may differ. Additionally, the type of mirror used also influences the outcome. For instance, a concave mirror can produce a virtual image that is three times enlarged compared to the original object.
In another scenario, a candle is placed 30 cm in front of a concave mirror, and its image is formed on a screen positioned 60 cm in front of the mirror's pole. The nature of the mirror, in this case, is concave, as the image formed is real and inverted. The focal length of the concave mirror is determined to be 20 cm.
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The angle of mirrors
The placement of mirrors and their angles in relation to a light source is a fascinating aspect of optics. When a candle is placed between two vertical mirrors, the angle of the mirrors will determine the number and quality of the candle's reflected images.
If the two mirrors are parallel to each other, an infinite number of images will be formed. This is due to the phenomenon of multiple reflections. One mirror reflects the light rays from the candle, forming a virtual image on the other mirror. This image then behaves as an object, reflecting again off the opposite mirror, and so on, creating more and more images. The distance between the mirrors determines the spacing and brightness of the images. As the distance between the mirrors increases, the images become fainter.
If the mirrors are placed at a 90-degree angle to each other, the candle's image will reflect back and forth between the mirrors, creating an infinite number of images in each. The images will be symmetrical, with the number of images in each mirror dependent on the distance between them.
In the case where one mirror is plane and the other concave, the image formed in the concave mirror can impinge upon the plane mirror. This creates a real image between the two mirrors. The placement of the candle and the distance between the mirrors will determine the characteristics of the image formed.
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Frequently asked questions
An infinite number of images will be formed due to the phenomenon of multiple reflections.
One of the mirrors will reflect the light rays coming from the candle and form the image on the other mirror. This image will behave as an object and form another image on the opposite mirror, and the process will continue.
The distance between the two mirrors is 40 cm.
The two mirrors are placed at a 45-degree angle to each other.











































