Euclid's Muse

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Whimsical Clocks Ch4 Kaleidoscope Clock

A Kaleidoscope works as a combination of reflections. Mirrors are typically arranged in an equilateral triangle producing multiple reflections as a symmetric pattern which changes as the triangle rotates. The apps in this collection explain how it's done, and then, of course, turn the kaleidoscope into a clock!

Tags: reflections, clocks, kaleidoscope

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Kaleidoscope clock
Kaleidoscope clock
Here is our Kaleidoscope Click made with two triangles, the red one is the hour hand, the purple one is the minute hand.

Tags: Clocks, Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is typically made with  mirrors aligned as an equilateral triangle and rotated.  Multiple reflections form a symmetrical pattern which changes as the triangle is rotated. Drag the corners of the four original triangles to change the pattern, then drag the red dot to rotate the kaleidoscope.

Tags: Kaleidoscope, reflections

Combination of Reflections through Oblique Lines
Combination of Reflections through Oblique Lines
Set the rotation angle and drag the center of rotation O so that the orange triangle sits on top of the image under the second reflection.  Can you describe another transformation equivalent to the two reflections?  

Tags: reflections, rotations

Combination of Reflections through Parallel Lines
Combination of Reflections through Parallel Lines
Press Reflect twice. Now drag point I so the orange triangle lies over the image under the second reflection.  Can you describe another transformation equivalent to the two reflections?

Tags: reflections, translations, transformations

Reflection Clock
Reflection Clock
You can reflect the triangle in the minute hand, then reflect the reflection in the second hand.  How long does it take to do a complete rotation? You can change the triangle by dragging the red points.  

Tags: clocks, reflections


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