How Do Magnifying Mirrors Work?
The Basics of Light Reflection
Any mirror’s job is to reflect light. Magnifying mirrors, otherwise known as concave spherical mirrors, not only reflect light, but also concentrate it in a way that makes the image larger. As with any mirror, magnifying mirrors work on the principle that the angle of incidence of a beam of light is equal to the angle of reflection of that same beam of light. This means that a beam of light that shines at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the mirror will reflect at a 45-degree angle in the other direction.
The Reflecting Properties of a Magnifying Mirror
A magnifying mirror is shaped similarly to a satellite dish in the sense that it is a concave mirror. This means that it, similarly to a satellite dish, focuses all the beams of light that hit it directly on to a central focal point. This means that the light–say, what reflects off your face as you look in the mirror–hits the mirror straight on, facing the face of the mirror and not at an angle to the mirror. All the beams of light hit the mirror and reflect off toward the focal point. This is a property of the parabolic shaping of the mirror. All parabolic-shaped dishes have this same property. This focal point of the mirror is different depending on the size of the mirror, and, by definition, it is where all beams of light reflected off the mirror converge.
The Magnifying Properties of a Magnifying Mirror
Because of the focusing of the light caused by the parabolic shape of magnifying mirrors, the light is concentrated more and more as it approaches the focal point. This concentration of the beams of light results in a magnification of the image reflected by the mirror. As the beams of light get closer and closer to the focal point, they become more and more magnified, which accounts for the increase in magnification as you step away from the mirror. However, once you pass the focal point, the magnification will start to reverse itself, and the image reflected will be upside-down. This is due to the fact that as the beams of light pass through the focal point of the mirror, the ones that were on the bottom start to be the beams on the top, meaning that every photon (packet of light) in the image is flipped from its original position.
About the Author
Get more and more varieties of magnifying glass with light here
10 Minute Make-up – Healthy Glow Make-up
|
|
Frenchi Furniute Espresso Finish Wood 3 Pc Vanity Set $56.40 Espresso finish wood 3 pc bedroom vanity makeup set, This set includes the vanity table, bench and mirror. Vanity table measures 28″ x 16″ x 50″ H to the top of the mirror. bench measures 18″ x 14″ x 17″ H. Some assembly required…. |
|
|
Coaster Wood Single Drawer Makeup Vanity Table Set with Mirror and Stool in White $112.91 Keep your cherished memories or inspirations close at hand with this Vanity Table Set. A beautiful white finish gives this piece a whimsical style with hand painted borders and flowers. Picture frames on either side of the mirror let you keep precious pictures or collages close to your heart as you get ready for the day. Features: White finish with painted roses Pale Silver starburst pattern fa… |
|
|
Coaster Glossy White Metal Makeup Vanity Table Set with Mirror in Mauve Velour $56.68 Create your very own cosmetic corner with this Vanity Table Set by Coaster. This stylish personal table features a swiveling mirror and two glass shelves to hold a variety of products and accessories. Its real charm comes from the gorgeous porcelain hearts fixed into the metal frames of the vanity and stool and decorated with delicate paintings of flowers. The stool is upholstered in velour fabric… |
|
|
Command 17204 Medium Picture-Hanging Strips, 6-Sets $3.29 Make any space yours with the Command Medium Picture Hanging Strips, a damage-free solution for decorating your home or office. Ideal for frames and other items 12 pounds or less, these handy strips will lock your pictures securely onto the wall. Thanks to the innovative Command Adhesive strips, you can mount and remount them without damaging your walls–no nails, tacks, or tape required.Medium Pi… |
|
|
Command 17203 Small and Medium Picture Hanging Strips, 4 Small 8 Medium Sets of Strips $6.30 Make any space yours with the Command Small and Medium Picture Hanging Strips, a damage-free solution for decorating your home or office. Ideal for frames and other items 12 pounds or less, these handy strips will lock your pictures securely onto the wall. Thanks to the innovative Command Adhesive strips, you can mount and remount them without damaging your walls–no nails, tacks, or tape required… |
|
|
Gila LES361 Heat Control Residential Window Film, Platinum, 36-Inch by 15-Feet $25.00 36″ x 15′ Insulating Retains up to 55% winter heating Reflects up to 70% summer heat Reduces up to 99% UV rays Safe for duel panes Covers approximately two patio doors, seven 24″ X 36″ windows. Platinum Boxed… |
|
|
Panasonic ER430K Vacuum Nose/Facial Hair Trimmer, Black $29.99 Panasonic ER430K – Wet/Dry Vacuum Nose And Ear Hair Trimmer… |
|
|
Remington S9520 Salon Collection Ceramic Hair Straightener with Pearl Infused Wide Plates, 2 Inch $29.99 Description:Combining advanced technology, high-performance ceramic coating, and real crushed pearls, the Remington T|Studio Pearl Ceramic 2-Inch Straightener delivers professional, salon-quality results with each use. It quickly reaches a top heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and has precise digital controls with temperature lock so you can enjoy smooth, silky hair in just minutes.Features: Pearl ce… |
|
|
Hello Kitty KT3020 Lighted Make-Up Mirror $34.95 KT3020 Hello Kitty Lighted Make-Up Mirror Rotating, Two-Sided Mirror with Regular and Magnified Images 10 Lights Surround Entire Mirror Hello Kitty Doll On/Off Switch Power: 3 ?AA? Batteries (not included) or AC Adaptor (not included) |
|
|
Woman Applying Make-Up in Mirror $24.99 George Marks Woman Applying Make-Up in Mirror – Photographic Print |
|
|
Mirror Lights $116.99 Kuryakyn Mirror Lights Dresses up the flat black mirrors and adds auxiliary turn signals on H-D FLHX (06-08) Chrome cover with amber LED’s installs easily and uses plug-in connections to add extra visibility Sold in pairs |
|
|
Young Woman Examining Make-Up in Mirror $24.99 George Marks Young Woman Examining Make-Up in Mirror – Photographic Print |
|
|
Woman Applying Make-Up With Compact Mirror $24.99 George Marks Woman Applying Make-Up With Compact Mirror – Photographic Print |
|
|
Woman Applying Make-Up in Front of Mirror $24.99 George Marks Woman Applying Make-Up in Front of Mirror – Photographic Print |
|
|
Compact Make Up Mirror(Pack of 48) $3.75 Compact Mirror. These wholesale bulk cheap discount make up mirrors are great for purses or pockets. |
