How is the phenomenon

Kaleidoscope is a cylinder with three mirrors containing loose, coloured objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks

into one end, light entering the other end, creates a colourful pattern due to reflection.

It works on the principle of multiple reflection, where several mirrors are placed at an angle (usually 60°) to one another. Typically, these are three

rectangular mirrors set at 60° to each other so that they form an equilateral triangle.

The 60° angle creates seven duplicate images of the objects, 5 at 60° and 2 at 90°. As the tube is rotated, the tumbling of the coloured objects

present varying colours and patterns.

Its applications are given below:

(i) It is used for decoration purposes, toys, etc.

(ii)Kaleidoscope is also useful for designers and artists to get idea for new patterns to design wallpapers, jwellery and fabrics.