How does a kaleidoscope work?

In 1816, Sir David Brewster of Scotland was the first person to invent the concept and object called the 'kaleidoscope. ' He stumbled upon it through experimentation with prisms and other optical tools. He created a tube-like instrument that contained loose pieces of glass and other objects that were reflected by mirrors and/or lenses set at different angles to create various symmetrical patterns when viewed through one end of the tube.

Brewster's term for this new instrument, "kaleidoscope," came from the Greek words meaning, "beautiful-form-to see. " The interior of a kaleidoscope can consist of 2,3,4, or more mirrors that run the full-length of the inside of the scope. The angles of the mirrors will determine the number of reflections viewed.(Smaller angle = More reflections of object viewed.) Example (for a two-mirror system): A ten-degree angle, divided into 360 degrees (the number of degrees in a circle), gives you 35 reflections or an 18-point star (since 18 of the reflections will be reversed from the original.

A 45-degree angle divided into 360 degrees gives you 7 reflections or a 4-point star. The image shown below has a 22.5-degree angle.

In order to understand how a kaleidoscope works, one must know the composition of the object. A kaleidoscope is made from a tube filled with two or more mirrors. Small gems, beads, or things of that nature are loosely put into a chamber on the front of the kaleidoscope.

A transparent fixture is set on the back of the tube so that light can pass through. Classic Kaleidoscopes utilize two and three mirror kaleidoscope systems, but other versions offer more mirrors for a different effect. How a kaleidoscope works involves a creation of symmetry through reflection.

Light passes through the back of the kaleidoscope and reflects off of the series of mirrors within the tube. By rotating the front chamber holding the contents the optical image changes and is reflected by the mirrors which creates the symmetrical design. How a kaleidoscope works is not a complicated phenomenon, however, inventor Sir David Brewster had an amazing grasp on ocular science.

Originally invented as a science tool, ... more.

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