Real-World Applications of the Kaleidoscope in Physics
As an optical instrument, a kaleidoscope contains two or more reflecting surfaces tilted towards each other at a certain angle for obtaining a symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end. This happens due to the phenomenon of repeated reflection. The tube, which has reflecting surfaces, contains coloured pieces of glass, and if we rotate the tube, we see that symmetrical images are created.
The term 'kaleidoscope' is derived from the Ancient Greek words known as 'kalos' which means beauty, 'eidos' means something that is seen and 'skopeo' which means to look. A Scottish inventor, David Brewster, invented the kaleidoscope in 1817 and patented it in 1817.
The kaleidoscope is usually sold as a toy and has value for the designs. The designs/images are formed due to the inclined mirrors. When we place an object in between these two mirrors an image is formed. Each mirror is needed to be inclined at right angles so that each image is reflected in the other mirror forming an appearance of four symmetrically placed objects. If we place the inclined mirrors at 60 degrees, a symmetrical hexagonally pattern forms six regularly placed images.
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History of Kaleidoscope
The kaleidoscope opens a way of imagination, travel, and creating designs. The tubes with mirrors are magic and art on their own. Since the time of its invention by Sir David Brewster, there are various functions that have been fulfilled by the kaleidoscope. It has been a source of creativity for designers to design various pallets, has been a toy with which all of us have played and it’s an integral part of our childhood memories, for jewellers it has led to the making of marvellous designs.
This journey of making a masterpiece started in 1814 when some experiments were conducted on the topic of ‘light polarization’ by Sir David Brewster. In these experiments, successive reflections were made on the plates of glass. At first, a candle was placed and a circular arrangement of various images of the candle was noted. This amazed him but he let the thought rest when again in 1815 he carried out an experiment where the reflections multiplied as a bit of cement was pushed towards the end and the light was thrown via a triangular glass. This prompted him to conduct further experiments and to find the perfect situations for a clear and symmetrical pattern. When some members of the Royal Society of Edinburgh saw an earlier version, they were highly impressed. Among them was a great man, Sir Goerge Makenzie and he was sure that this is going to be very popular in the years to come. Brewster took the last step and he placed reflecting panes in a tube along with a concave lens which would show the objects nearby and we would be able to see them in a reflected pattern.
Sir David Brewster was certain that this object was a marvel and can be put to great use, an object that can create “Infinite Patterns”, so he applied for the patent for a new optical instrument and named it “Kaleidoscope”.
Underlying Principle of a Kaleidoscope
The laws of reflection and the fact that white light is a combination of VIBGYOR (Violet Indigo Blue Green Yellow Orange Red) form the basis of the underlying principle of a kaleidoscope. When the light falls on the surface of a mirror, it gets reflected in a way that the angle of incidence is equivalent to the angle of reflection. According to the second principle, the white light, a combination of seven colours, passes through the coloured objects in a kaleidoscope. Due to this most of the light gets absorbed by these objects. As a result of the multiple reflections of light, there is a creation of beautiful and innovative patterns.
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Applications and Uses of a Kaleidoscope
Most of the kaleidoscopes are mass-produced from several inexpensive materials and intended as an optical toy for children consisting of two mirrors placed at a particular angle. The handmade pieces of a kaleidoscope display fine craftsmanship and artistic skills and are often available at craft galleries and also at the enterprises specializing in them. Furthermore, fashion designers use the beautiful patterns created by a kaleidoscope.
Experiment - How to Make a Kaleidoscope
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For making a kaleidoscope, and enjoying its various patterns of different colours, you need to keep in mind that it works on the principle of reflection.
Things Required
See-through and coloured plastic, one roll of masking or duct tape, overhead transparency paper, pencil, and three pieces of mirror perspex.
Procedure
1. Start by using the three pieces of mirror perspex and roll them in the shape of a triangle with tape. It is necessary to make sure that it is solid and taped well on the outside of the triangle.
2. Sketch the small triangle at the kaleidoscope's edge to the overhead transparency paper.
3. Now, place the transparency paper at the edge of the kaleidoscope and cut corners' narrow openings to facilitate the easy folding of the corners.
4. In this step, you have to attach the paper to a separate place.
5. Next, make another triangle by drawing, and it should be 2cm larger than the previous one.
6. Select the colour of the plastic that you would like to place inside the kaleidoscope and take off the small paper cuttings that would be placed adequately on the transparency paper.
7. Now, place the coloured plastic at the end of the kaleidoscope, which has the transparency paper, and add the other transparency paper, which is the triangle (larger size). Keep the second triangle upside down so that there is sufficient space between the two transparencies for the plastic to fit in.
8. As you have finished making the kaleidoscope, add colours and glitters to make it appear even more beautiful.
Result
After making the kaleidoscope, you can notice that it works on white light composed of seven colours, shifting through the mirrors placed inside. When a person shall look through the mirror, he or she can come across different coloured patterns owing to the symmetrical designs, which are formed by the mirrors placed in the right places.
This is how a kaleidoscope is made using the multiple reflections of light inside a chamber as the prime working principle. Understand the concept of kaleidoscope and find its applications by logging in to Vedantu, the ideal learning portal.
FAQs on Kaleidoscope: Principle, Uses & Experiments Explained
1. What is a kaleidoscope and how does it create patterns?
A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument consisting of a tube with two or more mirrors placed at an angle to one another. At one end of the tube, there are loose, coloured objects like beads or glass pieces. When a viewer looks through the eyepiece at the other end, they see beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns are created due to the multiple reflections of the objects in the mirrors.
2. What is the scientific principle behind a kaleidoscope's working?
The working of a kaleidoscope is based on the law of multiple reflections. When light from the objects enters the tube, it strikes the mirrors and gets reflected back and forth. Each reflection creates a virtual image, and these images themselves act as objects for other reflections. This chain reaction results in a multitude of images arranged in a symmetrical pattern, which is what we see as a beautiful design.
3. What are the main parts used to construct a simple kaleidoscope?
To construct a simple kaleidoscope, you need a few basic components:
A Tube: A cylindrical tube, often made from cardboard, to house the mirrors.
Mirrors: Typically, three rectangular mirror strips are arranged to form a triangular prism inside the tube.
Object Case: A small, transparent chamber at one end of the tube to hold the coloured objects.
Coloured Objects: Small, translucent items like beads, sequins, or broken glass pieces.
Eyepiece: A cap with a small hole (peep-hole) at the viewing end.
4. Why do the patterns inside a kaleidoscope seem infinite and rarely repeat?
The patterns appear to be infinite and non-repeating because of two main factors. First, the multiple reflections create a very high number of images from just a few objects. Second, every time the kaleidoscope is rotated or shaken, the loose objects in the object case fall into a new, random arrangement. This slight change in the position of the original objects creates a completely different symmetrical pattern, making it highly improbable for the exact same pattern to appear twice.
5. What are some common uses of a kaleidoscope beyond being a toy?
While it is famously known as a children's toy, the kaleidoscope has practical applications in the world of design. Designers, particularly in the fashion and textile industries, use kaleidoscopes to generate unique and intricate patterns for fabrics, wallpapers, carpets, and jewellery. The ever-changing, symmetrical designs serve as a powerful source of inspiration for creating new visual art.
6. How does changing the angle between the mirrors affect the image in a kaleidoscope?
The angle between the mirrors is crucial as it determines the number of symmetrical segments in the pattern. A smaller angle between the mirrors results in more reflections and, therefore, a more complex pattern with a higher number of segments. For example, mirrors placed at 60 degrees will create a pattern with 6-fold symmetry, while mirrors at 45 degrees will create one with 8-fold symmetry. The number of images seen is calculated by the formula (360°/angle) - 1.
7. Who is credited with inventing the kaleidoscope?
The kaleidoscope was invented by Sir David Brewster, a Scottish scientist, in 1816. He was conducting experiments on light polarisation when he observed the creation of beautiful patterns through multiple reflections. He patented his invention in 1817, naming it the 'Kaleidoscope', which is derived from Greek words meaning 'beautiful form watcher'.
8. Can a kaleidoscope work with materials other than glass mirrors?
Yes, a kaleidoscope can work with other reflective materials, although the quality of the image may vary. The key requirement is a smooth, highly reflective surface. For instance, in a simple DIY project, one might use polished aluminium foil, reflective cardstock, or Mylar sheets instead of glass mirrors. While glass mirrors provide the sharpest and brightest reflections, these alternatives can also successfully demonstrate the principle of multiple reflections to create patterns.
9. What is 'kaleidoscope vision' and how is it related to health?
'Kaleidoscope vision' is a medical term for a temporary visual disturbance that makes it seem as if one is looking through a kaleidoscope. The images may appear fractured, brightly coloured, and shimmering. It is not caused by an external device but is a type of visual aura, most commonly associated with migraine headaches. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like a stroke or brain injury, and it typically lasts for a few minutes.
10. How is the principle of a kaleidoscope different from that of a periscope?
Both devices use mirrors and the reflection of light, but for different purposes. A kaleidoscope uses multiple mirrors set at an angle to create complex, symmetrical patterns from objects inside it; its purpose is aesthetic. In contrast, a periscope uses two mirrors (or prisms) set parallel to each other at a 45° angle. Its purpose is purely functional: to allow a viewer to see over, around, or through an obstacle by simply reflecting light from a higher vantage point down to the observer's eye.
