Mirror

light · reflection · everyday science

Bounces light back. When light hits a mirror, it bounces off at the exact same angle it came in, like a ball bouncing off a wall. This is called reflection, and it happens because the mirror's surface is so smooth and shiny.

Shows what's behind you. Mirrors are super useful because they let you see things without turning around. You can peek around corners or see who is walking up behind you by looking at the mirror instead of turning your head.

Nature made them first. The very first mirrors weren't made by people, they were just water! Lakes and puddles act like mirrors because their smooth surface reflects light the same way manufactured mirrors do.

Made with shiny metal coatings. Modern mirrors are glass with a super thin coating of silver or aluminum on the back. Glass is perfect for this because it's smooth and hard, and the metal coating is what actually does the reflecting.