Uses of plane mirror

In this article, we will discuss the concept of a plane mirror. The mirror is a reflecting surface. The plane mirror is nothing but a mirror that has a highly polished plane surface. It holds the law of reflection. The plane mirrors are used in many applications in science and technology. This article can discuss those applications one by one in detail.

Plane mirror

The plane mirror produces the image, which would be virtual, laterally inverted, erect, and equal in size as the object. 

Uses of Plane mirror

The plane mirror is used in many applications in our daily life. Here, we can find the list of applications with a purpose.

• Common mirroring 
• Long distance signalling
• Optical study
• Zooming
• Microscopy
• Cameras
• Light reflection
• Handicrafts
• Scientific Research
• Medical purpose
• Imaging objects
• Telescoping

Common mirroring

The mirror plays a vital role in our daily life. It visualises ourselves to us. As discussed, the plane mirror produces the erect, virtual, and laterally inverted image. These can be used as looking mirrors. The left side objects will be projected to the right in these mirrors. There would be no difference in the size of the object reflecting. 

These mirrors are made up of a thin layer of silver and aluminium spray. These mirrors are available in various shapes, sizes, and colours. The frames are made up of wood, plastic, or glass itself. It will be a great decorative item for the houses. 

Long-distance signalling

The plane mirror can be used to reflect light from the sun. This can be used for signalling purposes if we send signals when we get stuck in an isolated place or remote place. This plane mirror can be used to save our lives in that miserable situation.

Material study

The plane mirrors can be used for analysis purposes. An instrument used to study the optical properties of a material called an interferometer. Plane mirrors are used in an interferometer.

Zooming

The plane mirrors are available in both small and large sizes. The large plane mirror can reflect and create an optical illusion. Due to this effect, the room will look bigger to our human eye. 

Microscopy

In microscopes, the plane mirror can reflect the light onto the specimen. It results in illumination.

Cameras

The plane mirror can be used in SLR cameras. The SLR is a single-lens reflex camera.

Light reflection

The reflection of light can be used to produce beautiful patterns. For example, the three plane mirrors are closely fitted in a kaleidoscope. The small beads and mirrors fill the kaleidoscope to make attractive patterns. The close placement of plane mirrors produces continuous patterns that can be used as a toy for children.

Handicrafts

Plane mirrors can be used in many creative crafts like glass statues, mirror art, and textile. The small mirrors can be used to decorate the dress, making it more beautiful. 

Scientific Research

Many scientific types of research require the modification of certain parts in optical instruments. The plane mirrors can make these modifications. 

Medical purpose

The plane mirrors are used in retinoscopy, the treatment of eyes.

Imaging objects

The plane mirror can be used to view the submarine’s objects present on the sea’s surface. We all know that the light rays cannot be bent and only travel in a straight line. The light can be reflected. Inside the sea, the instrument called a periscope can change the direction of light rays. This helps in viewing the objects from below the water level.

The speciality of the periscope is that we can view the objects behind the obstruction like a wall. The place that cannot be viewed from the other side can be easily viewed using periscope.

Telescoping

An instrument can view distant objects in the solar system called the telescope. In a telescope, we have two types: reflecting and refracting. The reflecting telescope uses the combination of both spherical and plane mirrors. The system of lenses is used in refracting mirrors.

Conclusion

In this article, we have come across the essential topics in optics: plane mirrors and their uses. The plane mirror is the common mirror with a flat surface. This plane mirror has many properties and laws. The plane mirror is helpful in many applications. It takes its place in research, medicine, imaging, signalling, and art. Apart from plane mirrors, we have a convex and concave mirror to produce virtual and real images.