Flat Mirror Model

Computer simulation programs help you better understand a large diversity of activities, including stuff you didn’t quite get in school. For instance, with the help of Flat Mirror Model you can get an idea of why, and how you can see yourself in the mirror.

A cool thing about it is that no setup is required to make it work, other than the installation process for Java Runtime Environment, which is a mandatory component to ensure functionality. Moreover, it can be used on other computers fitted with Java, which are not limited to a Windows OS, without having any impact on the stability of the target device.

When the application is launched you’re directly thrown in the simulation. Sadly, the window comes with a fixed size specification, which can be a little frustrating since view space is limited. However, you’re free to interact with the simulation in order to change variables to analyze multiple scenarios.

Split into two sections, it shows you the source image in one side, with guidelines for emitted light, and reflection degree, as well as the projected image in the second section. Moving the source on a horizontal axis changes interaction status, as well as the reflected image.

However, it’s rather difficult to extract any other use from the simulation other than visual support of the whole physical process. There are no rulers to bring up for measurement, and how distance changes accordingly, or to analyze reflection angle based on the distance of objects. There’s an option to show virtual rays which help determine how the image is created, but it doesn’t provide much help either.

All things considered, we can safely state that Flat Mirror Model mostly comes in handy to simply understand the basic principle behind reflection in a flat mirror. There’s little support other than real and virtual ray guidelines, but with no numerical indicators for distance, or reflection angle, practicality has a lot to suffer.