In the first part, we learned that a mirror reflects light according to the law of reflection, and even when partially covered, it still shows a complete reflection. Now, let’s go deeper into the science behind this effect with visual explanations.
1. How Does Light Reflect on a Mirror?
Mirrors reflect light by following this rule:
Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection
This means that when light from an object (like your face) hits the mirror, it bounces off at the same angle and travels to your eyes.
Diagram 1: Basic Reflection
Light from your face → \ | / ← Reflected light to your eyes
| (Mirror surface)
Each point on the mirror reflects light in a predictable way, allowing you to see a clear image.
2. What Happens When You Cover Part of a Mirror?
When you block a section of a mirror, that part can no longer reflect light. However, the rest of the mirror still reflects light to your eyes.
Diagram 2: Partial Obstruction of a Mirror
Light from your face → \ | / ← Reflected light to your eyes
| (Mirror surface)
[BLOCKED] █ (Covered Part)
Even though part of the mirror is covered, the uncovered section continues reflecting light, so your reflection remains visible.
3. Why Does Your Reflection Still Look Complete?
Even though part of the mirror is blocked, your reflection doesn’t appear “cut off.” Here’s why:
A. Light Travels in Multiple Directions
• Light from your face spreads out in many directions, reaching different parts of the mirror.
• Even if part of the mirror is covered, other sections still capture and reflect enough light for you to see yourself.
B. Your Brain Fills in the Gaps
• If only a small part of the mirror is blocked, your brain automatically completes the missing part of the image.
• This is similar to how your brain processes visual information when an object is partially hidden behind another.
C. The Mirror Reflects an Entire Scene, Not Just a Single Point
• Each point on the mirror contributes to the overall image, not just a single view from your eyes.
• This is why moving slightly left or right doesn’t change the visibility of your reflection, even if a section of the mirror is covered.
4. Experiment: See It for Yourself!
Try this simple test to observe the effect:
1. Stand in front of a mirror and cover one side with a piece of paper.
2. Move slightly left or right while looking at your reflection.
3. Observe how your reflection remains visible even though part of the mirror is blocked.
For a more interesting experiment:
• Try using different shapes and sizes of coverings.
• See how much of the mirror you need to cover before your reflection disappears.
5. Conclusion
A mirror doesn’t just reflect from one single point—it works as an entire surface that redirects light. Even when part of it is covered, light still reaches the uncovered areas, allowing your reflection to remain visible.
This fascinating effect shows how light interacts with reflective surfaces and how our brains help us perceive complete images even when part of the information is missing.
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