Uses of Plane Mirror Overview
We know that plane mirrors are useful for observing object reflections, and we can use them practically anywhere there is a need to see what is behind us. The greatest contribution to humanity has been the development of the mirror. The image generated by a flat mirror is always upright, and its size and shape are identical to those of the item.
What are Mirrors?
Mirrors are polished surfaces that have been coated with mercury. The polished surfaces reflect the majority of the light that falls on them, resulting in the development of an image. Mirrors are classified as concave, convex, or flat based on the type of reflecting surface they have. When a light beam strikes a surface, it can have one of three effects-
- Reflection
- Refraction, or
- Absorption
When a light beam strikes a regular surface, the majority of the light is absorbed. As a result, mirrors are polished surfaces that are coated with mercury (chemical symbol Hg) to reflect the majority of the light that falls on them.
Read More about Mirror Formula.
What is a Plane Mirror?
A plane mirror has a flat reflecting surface. For light beams impacting the flat mirror, the angle of reflection is the same as the angle of incidence. The angle formed by the incident beam and the surface is referred to as the angle of incidence. Apart from diffraction, the angle of reflection is the angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal. As a result, following the reflection from a flat mirror, a parallel beam of light does not spread. Plane mirrors are the only form of the mirror in which an item always produces an image that is virtual, erect, and the same size as the object in all situations. However, different types of mirrors can produce images that are virtual, erect, and of the same size as the object under certain conditions.
Characteristics of Plane Mirrors in Daily Life
The following are some of the characteristics of a plane mirror-
- A plane mirror always creates or makes an image the same size as the item.
- A virtual picture is generated when light beams from a source do not cross or meet at a location to form an image.
- Also, the object's distance from the mirror is the same as the mirror's distance from the image. In addition, the picture produced is vertical.
- A plane mirror always provides one-magnification pictures.
- A planar mirror is always used to create a virtual picture.
- Another trait that distinguishes a plane mirror image is that it is laterally reversed.
Uses of Plane Mirror Mechanism behind the Reflections
Because a plane mirror is flat and does not bend inward or outward, light reflects off it. As a result, pictures taken with a plane mirror are devoid of the interference produced by concave and convex mirrors. This is why you do not seem weird while examining your hair in the bathroom mirror. Nevertheless, when one looks in a curved mirror at a carnival, their physique appears to be too tall or too short. Planar mirror reflections generate virtual pictures with the same magnification and distance as the things that they reflect. This is why one can use a plane mirror to pinpoint the exact location of something behind them.
Types of Plane Mirrors in Our Houses
Plane mirrors are just flat mirrors with no curvature. Because they are so common, the average individual is fairly familiar with them. The first mirrors constructed by humans were made of highly polished bronze, silver, and other metals. Modern mirrors are comprised of glass sheets with a thin aluminum layer added to them. Plane mirrors may, however, be made from liquids such as gallium or mercury. Flat mirrors, on the other hand, perform the same function regardless of material. They create images by reflecting light rays. For free study resources and more information, go to the Vedantu app and website.
Why Concave or Convex Mirrors are preferred over Plane Mirrors?
Spherical mirrors are used to focus or diverge light in applications. Planar mirrors are useful in applications where the size of the item does not need to be changed. Solar cookers, for example, require a concave mirror because the light rays must be focused, something a flat mirror cannot achieve. A concave mirror is helpful in situations where the light must be diverged to provide a wide perspective, such as shaving mirrors or automotive headlights.
Read more about the Image Formation by Concave Lens and Convex Lens.
Applications and Uses of Plane Mirrors in Daily Life
Practically everyone else uses mirrors in their daily lives for a number of purposes. We also know that plane mirrors are generally used to observe an object's reflection. A plane mirror can be used for a variety of reasons, including periscopes and kaleidoscopes, vehicles, shaving mirrors, dentists' mirrors, torch lights, solar cookers, and security purposes. The following is a list of uses of plane mirrors in daily life-
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Automobiles
Vehicles used mirrors in their headlights to reflect intense beams of parallel light. Additionally, the most common application of a convex mirror in vehicles is as a rearview mirror, since it always generates an upright picture and provides a broader field of view due to its outward curvature.
Uses of Plane Mirrors by Dentists
Dentists frequently utilize mirrors during procedures to see and examine pictures of teeth. Plane mirrors are also employed exclusively in microscopes to reflect the picture of the item under observation.
Multi-Purpose Uses of Plane Mirrors
The following table gives more details about the various applications and uses of plane mirrors-
|
Uses of Plane Mirrors |
Description |
|
Periscopes |
A periscope's plane mirrors to change the direction of light rays so that the object may be viewed by the submarine's viewer. Periscopes can be used in situations where we can't see the other side, such as behind a wall or through a window, to help us view what's on the other side. |
|
Kaleidoscopes |
Large flat mirrors can produce an optical illusion called a kaleidoscope due to reflection. The rooms look bigger from our vantage point. A similar vision may be obtained within a kaleidoscope. The pattern might alter depending on the circumstances. There are mainly little beads with plain designs. The reflections of the closely placed flat mirrors form a continuous pattern. |
|
Telescope |
It is used to observe distant solar system objects, such as planets. There are two kinds of telescopes. A refracting telescope employs a series of lenses. In reflecting telescopes, plane mirrors are used in combination with spherical mirrors. |
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Handicrafts
Planar mirrors may be used to make some unusual handicrafts, and mirrorwork is also used in clothing since it reflects light.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Interferometers
Interferometers are used in research contexts to examine the optical properties of materials and to make the room look bigger: Large flat mirrors can create an optical illusion due to reflection. The rooms look bigger from our vantage point.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Long-Distance Signaling
If you become trapped in a distant place, one can use a plane mirror to send a signal to rescuers. A plane mirror is capable of reflecting light across long distances. The sun's light may be used to reflect it.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Microscopes
Planar mirrors are used in microscopes to reflect light onto an object and illuminate it.
Read more about the Uses of Microscope and Enantiomers.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Salon
By aligning plane mirrors parallel to each other, an infinite number of pictures may be formed. This permits a person to see both the front and back of another person, which is necessary in a saloon.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Scientific Instruments
Optical instruments are extensively used in scientific research. On occasion, a modification to the usual optical instruments is necessary. Plane mirrors are utilized to make changes or enhancements to a particular application. Plane mirrors are also used in retinoscopes, which are medical instruments.
Read Recently Updated Article on How to Become a Scientist in India?
Uses of Plane Mirrors for Security and Safety
Mirrors are used to search for explosives beneath a vehicle. These mirrors are also utilized in stores to keep an eye on consumers. Plane mirrors are commonly used to detect bombs hidden beneath cars. They are also used in shops and stores to monitor people and prevent robberies. Mirrors are used to observe cars approaching from the other side, even on busy highways with blind curves.
Uses of Plane Mirrors as Shaving Mirrors
Every morning, the first thing we do is gaze in the mirror for a variety of reasons, including brushing, shaving, applying cosmetics, and so on. It would have been incredibly difficult for us to manage such things without the mirrors. Concave mirrors are also used as shaving mirrors to provide a better view of the face.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Solar Cookers
A flat mirror in a solar cooker reflects the majority of the sunlight that falls on it. Solar cookers are the most efficient way to cook using renewable energy. Planar mirrors are employed in solar cookers because they may reflect the majority of sunlight or sun rays that fall on their surface. Without a doubt, the solar cooker is the most practical and efficient way to use a renewable energy source for culinary purposes.
Uses of Plane Mirrors in Torch Lights
It is used to reflect light beams in torch lights and flashlights, and it is also used in overhead projectors for the same purpose. Plane mirrors are commonly used in flashlights and torchlights to reflect light beams, and they are also employed in overhead projectors for the same purpose.
Points to Remember
- Plane mirrors are mirrors that have a flat reflecting surface.
- The rules of reflection apply to plane mirrors.
- The plane mirror produces a virtual, erect, and equal-sized picture.
- The distance between the produced picture and the object is the same as the distance between the object and the mirror.
- A plane mirror's magnification is always one.
- Plane mirrors are utilized in periscopes, torch lights, solar cookers, and other applications.