Why Do We Need Mirrors?
While commonly used for personal grooming, decoration and architecture, mirrors also have scientific uses, such as for lasers, telescopes, cameras and industrial machinery. Mirrors come in different styles, but they share a basic definition: an object with one reflective surface.
Other People Are Reading
-
Medical Uses for Mirrors
-
Mirrors play an important role in medical, dental and surgical equipment. In physical therapy situations, mirrors are integral to a patient's recovery because they provide a visual evaluation for posture and exercises. Technology is advancing in the use of two-way mirrors to monitor patients' vital signs. Dental equipment depends on the use of handheld and hands-free mirrors to view the most difficult-to-see areas of the mouth.
Scientific Applications
-
Mirrors come into play in a variety of professional equipment; an example is telescopes and microscopes, which employ mirrors' reflective light properties. Mirrors can reflect lasers around corners to enable imaging devices to capture scenes not in the direct line of sight.
-
Use of Mirrors for Safety
-
Mirrors appear frequently in industrial settings to extend line of sight around corners to avoid accidents between workers and equipment; forklift and other machinery operators rely on mirrors for this purpose. Vehicular safety also depends on rearview and side mirrors to help drivers avoid potential dangers such as collisions with vehicles or other objects.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Solar Panels image by alessbonaventura from Fotolia.com
