How Mirrors Work

A mirror shows you your reflection. It works by bouncing light back in an organized way. Most surfaces scatter light in many directions, which is why you cannot see your reflection in a wall. But a mirror's smooth, shiny surface reflects light rays so they stay in order. You see a clear image of yourself.

How Reflection Works

When light hits a mirror, it bounces off at the same angle it came in. This is called the law of reflection. Because the mirror surface is perfectly smooth, all the light rays bounce in the same direction. Your brain interprets these reflected rays as an image behind the mirror.

Types of Mirrors

Flat mirrors show you a normal image, but everything is flipped left to right. Concave mirrors curve inward like a bowl and can magnify things. They are used in makeup mirrors and telescopes. Convex mirrors curve outward and show a wider view. They are used in car side mirrors and store security mirrors.

Fun Facts

• The image in a flat mirror appears to be the same distance behind the mirror as you are in front of it.
• Ancient people made mirrors from polished metal like bronze and copper.
• A two-way mirror works because one side is in a bright room and the other is in a dark room.

Did You Know?

An ambulance has the word AMBULANCE written backward on its front. When drivers see it in their rearview mirror, the mirror flips the letters so the word reads correctly. This helps drivers know to move out of the way!