• Question: When two mirrors are directly facing each other, they reflect off each other infinitely producing a mirror inside mirror effect. If this was graphically slowed down, would you see a kind of build-up effect where each mirror is "drawn in"? After all, light only travels at a finite speed. In other words, is it true that while you're still looking at the multiple reflections, millions more are constantly being made due to light travelling at only a finite speed?

    Asked by conn207 to Antonia, Douglas, Hugh, Matt, Tom on 14 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Matthew Hurley

      Matthew Hurley answered on 13 Jun 2010:

      Wow – this is too complicated for my small brain. What you say sounds reasonable – the image of the mirror keeps on getting smaller to an infinite degree. But how can you see it – because your head will be in the way!

    • Photo: Antonia Hamilton

      Antonia Hamilton answered on 14 Jun 2010:

      yes, in principle. But as you watch the reflections, you are blocking out some of the light so it gradually gets darker and darker until there isn’t any light left.

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