A kaleidoscope is a device with two or more mirrors that reflect at an angle. When tilted, the mirrors acquire symmetrical patterns when viewed from the opposite side due to repeated reflection. It’s not only suitable for children but also designers who use it to make patterns. It looks like a telescope but smaller in size. The patterns produced are always different, and no one has ever seen identical images. In this write-up, we discuss the uses and benefits of a kaleidoscope.

Principle of a Kaleidoscope

The main principles applied are the laws of reflection and white light being a combination of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red (VIBGYOR). When light hits one of the mirrors, it’s reflected, making the angle of incidence equal to reflection. This results in the development of patterns caused by the many reflections of light.

Most of the white light is absorbed by the colored objects in the kaleidoscope after going through them.

Uses of a Kaleidoscope

The multiple reflections enable the kaleidoscope to produce images in symmetry. These images are used to study geometrical patterns in mathematics.

The beautiful patterns created may be used for pleasure.

Patterns from the kaleidoscope are used for illumination by producing uniform light distributions for printing, inspecting integrated circuits and screens such as laptops.

Fashion designers use beautiful patterns to come up with designs for various items.

It is used as a toy for entertainment purposes.

How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscopes are fun to make from the comfort of your home. You can involve kids since it’s also an educative activity. You can also seek professional assistance to help you through the process or order one ready-made from any related store.

a. Requirement Needed Include;

• The plastic material that is both see-through and colored
• Pencil to mark the necessary points
• An overhead transparent paper
• Three pieces of mirrored Perspex
• Duct tape

b. Step by Step Guide On How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Pick the mirrored Perspex pieces, roll them up, and form a triangle, keeping the shiny sides in. At this step, you can file the edges or leave them as they are and cut off the corners later.

• On the overhead transparent paper, sketch the small triangle at the end of the kaleidoscope and leave an extra cm to allow folding.
• Hold the paper to the kaleidoscope’s edge and clip off the corners of the narrow openings. This allows them to fold easily.
• Fix the paper separately in a different place, then draw another triangle, cut it out, and ensure it’s 2cm larger than the previous one.
• Pick the plastic color you prefer to go into the kaleidoscope.
• Put the colored plastic on the end of the kaleidoscope, which has the transparent paper, and attach a second transparent paper, more extensive than the first.
• Hold the second triangle upside down, then design the kaleidoscope however you like it.

Conclusion

Kaleidoscopes are unique objects full of beautiful patterns, and each varies from the other. The tips above help you understand its principles, uses, and how you can create one to enjoy.