A periscope is an instrument for observation from a concealed position. In its simplest form, it is a tube in each end of which are mirrors set parallel to each other at 45 degree angle.
The size of the image is the same as the object.
The questions is: What will happen if the object is moving up?
a. The image will move up, too!
b. The image will stay at the same height.
c. The image will move down.
Make a guess before you play with it and find out the answer by yourself.
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The following is a simulation for periscope (with two flat mirrors).
Click
trace checkbox to view the trace of light path (which form the image)
You can drag the object at the top right position with your mouse and watch how the light paths changed.
Embed a running copy of this simulation
Full screen applet or
Problem viewing java? Add http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ to exception site list Press the Alt key and the left mouse button to drag the applet off the browser and onto the desktop. This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Taiwan License
Please feel free to post your ideas about how to use the simulation for better teaching and learning.
Post questions to be asked to help students to think, to explore.
Upload worksheets as attached files to share with more users.
Let's work together. We can help more users understand physics conceptually and enjoy the fun of learning physics!
For the following case: the same question again
What will happen if the object is moving up?
a. The image will move up, too!
b. The image will stay at the same height.
c. The image will move down.
More information about periscope can be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periscope http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74vYKL3OYAc 
to toggle author information(expand message area).
October 20, 2010, 11:41:36 pm
