How does a kaleidoscope work?
The kaleidoscope is a tube of mirrors containing loose coloured beads or pebbles, or other small coloured objects. The viewer looks in one end and light enters the other end, reflecting off the mirrors. Typically there are two rectangular lengthways mirrors. Setting of the mirrors at 45° creates eight duplicate images of the objects, six at 60°, and four at 90°. As the tube is rotated, the tumbling of the coloured objects presents the viewer with varying colours and patterns. Any arbitrary pattern of objects shows up as a beautiful symmetric pattern because of the reflections in the mirrors. A two-mirror model yields a pattern or patterns isolated against a solid black background, while a three-mirror (closed triangle) model yields a pattern that fills the entire field.
A kaleidoscope works by using optical illusions. Mirrors inside the tube of the device create these optical illusions. One end is the eyehole or peek-hole designed to allow viewing inside a kaleidoscope. There are tiny colorful objects, items or images loosely held inside one end of the kaleidoscope. It is these colorful images and items that make the device or toy so well loved. They make beautiful patterns as they reflect off the mirrors inside the kaleidoscope while you are turning the tube. The trick is I think, that generally, you cannot really see through the end of the kaleidoscope that holds the colorful pieces. As you turn the tube, the colorful items or images fall into different orders or positions. As this turning occurs various patterns flash before your eyes, mesmerizing and lulling you into a child-like relaxed state of being. The Wonderful World of Kaleidoscope Colors! It is well noted that color plays an important role in our lives. Color influences our moods. Whether
In order to understand how a kaleidoscope works, one must know the composition of the object. A kaleidoscope is made from a tube filled with two or more mirrors. Small gems, beads, or things of that nature are loosely put into a chamber on the front of the kaleidoscope. A transparent fixture is set on the back of the tube so that light can pass through. Classic Kaleidoscopes utilize two and three mirror kaleidoscope systems, but other versions offer more mirrors for a different effect. How a kaleidoscope works involves a creation of symmetry through reflection. Light passes through the back of the kaleidoscope and reflects off of the series of mirrors within the tube. By rotating the front chamber holding the contents the optical image changes and is reflected by the mirrors which creates the symmetrical design. How a kaleidoscope works is not a complicated phenomenon, however, inventor Sir David Brewster had an amazing grasp on ocular science. Originally invented as a science tool, th
