Converging Mirror Exhibit
In this interactive exhibit, students can converge or diverge two mirrors to understand principles of geometry, circle and angles! It is also lots of fun playing with this convering mirror exhibit.

Background

In this novel physics exhibit, a rotary mechanism drives two mirrors in opposite direction simlataneously. Both mirrors are pivoted at the center of the exhibit and when rotating knob in one direction, both the mirrors converge (come near each other) or diverge (move away from each other) when rotated in opposite direction.

A High intensity light at top illuiminates the entire exhibit giving it an extra wow factor, when seeing objects in the mirror.

Screw rod to handle the
converging/diverging mechanism.

Design of the custom protractor

Overall 3D model design.

Finished product with Illuminator light.

As the mirrors converge, more reflections
will be seen proportioanl to the angle!

Animation GIF showing how the illusion works!

Chart showing number of illusions seen at various angles.

A protractor at the bottom of the mirrors (pivoted strategically to one of the mirror) shows the angle between both the mirrors! In front of/between the two mirrors an object to be reflected is placed!

As the mirrors converge more and more reflections of the object is seen! At any point of time number of objects seen will be equal to:

360/Angle between the mirrors

For example:
  1. 0 degrees: Infinite!
  2. 15 degrees: 23 reflections + 1 real object (Total: 24)
  3. 30 degrees: 11 reflections + 1 real object (Total: 12)
  4. 45 degrees: 7 reflections + 1 real object (Total: 8)
  5. 60 degrees: 5 reflections + 1 real object (Total: 6)
  6. 90 degrees: 3 reflections + 1 real object (Total: 4)

This exhibit was not capable of showing 0 degrees due to both mirrors being hinged at center!
Video demo of the Converging Mirror Fun Science
Exhibit that explains math, geometry etc and also is fun!

This project was developed for an NGO which is into building Scientific Exhibitions, Museums and upgrade Science Demonstration infrastructure in schools called Deenabandhu. As part of an Fun Science Gallery they were setting up this exhibit was developed by Ideas Unlimited, Mysuru.

Deenabandhu is a charitable Non-Profit Organization located in Chamarajnagar. Deenabandhu works towards the education and rehabilitation of orphan, destitute and estranged children. The trust is also into Science, innovation and teaching Science to school children and other activities.

Deenabandhu Trust, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka


The exhibit was built with rugged engineering so it lasts very long at the Science Museum.

How it was built?

Click on left/right buttons to scroll through the pictures and description to see how it was built!