The Formation of Images by Plane and Spherical Mirrors

This page is authored by Ray Purdom, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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This material is replicated on a number of sites as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service Project
Initial Publication Date: October 12, 2010

Summary

Students will examine paintings done by several masters which include images formed in mirrors. Students will discuss the images depicted by the artists with the images predicted by geometric optics. Students will also estimate various parameters of the mirrors.




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Learning Goals

These activities will reinforce the student's knowledge of geometric optics. Students will also explore the artwork of early masters.

Context for Use

This activity will follow the teaching of the principles of geometric optics related to materials and a homework assignment on the subject.

Description and Teaching Materials

Students will view the painting
[link http://www.britannica.com/bps/media-view/12811/1/0/0 'A Bar at the Folies-Berg

Teaching Notes and Tips

Students might know of other famous paintings that depict mirrors and reflections. These paintings will probably be readily found on the Internet and students could examine these additional works of art.

Assessment

Assessment can be made using standard tests on geometric objects. The value of this activity could be determined by comparing test resulta with students who did and didnot do this activity.

References and Resources