Question

Describe the construction of a kaleidoscope.

Answer 1

Three rectangular mirror strips of dimensions 15 cm × 4 cm (l × b) are joined to form a prism (figure a). This prism is fixed into a circular cardboard tube. The circular cardboard tube should be slightly longer than the prism (Figure B). This circular tube is now closed at one end with a cardboard disc. This disc has a hole, which we can see (Figure C). A plane glass plate is fixed at the other end of the circular tube. It is important that this glass plate touches the prism mirrors. On this glass plate, several small and broken pieces of coloured glass are placed. This end is now closed by a round glass plate, which allows enough space for the coloured glass pieces to move (Figure d).