Why do mirrors flip horizontally (but not vertically)?

Why do mirrors flip horizontally (but not vertically)?

Assessment

Interactive Video

Physics, Science

10th - 12th Grade

Hard

Created by

Quizizz Content

FREE Resource

The video explores why mirrors appear to flip images horizontally but not vertically. It explains that the perceived horizontal flip is due to how we present objects to the mirror, not the mirror itself. The video discusses the concept of flipping in the z direction, which is responsible for the confusion. It also highlights how our daily experiences and symmetry affect our perception of mirror images.

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5 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why does text appear reversed in a mirror?

Because mirrors have a special reversing property.

Because mirrors flip images vertically.

Because we present the text backwards to the mirror.

Because our eyes perceive it that way.

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens when you point an arrow forward towards a mirror?

The reflection points upward.

The reflection points to the left.

The reflection points forward.

The reflection points backward.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How does the mirror flip images?

Horizontally

It doesn't flip images

In the z direction

Vertically

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why do we often perceive mirror images as horizontally flipped?

Due to our daily experiences and body symmetry.

Because mirrors are not perfectly flat.

Because mirrors are designed to flip horizontally.

Because of the way light reflects off mirrors.

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is a common reason for the perception of horizontal flipping in mirrors?

Our eyes are positioned vertically.

Mirrors are not reflective enough.

We are used to seeing text on t-shirts flipped.

Mirrors are curved.