Periscopes
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 9.1.4
Periscopes
A periscope uses mirrors to allow people to see things that are out of their sight.
Uses of periscopes
- Periscopes are used to see over walls.
- Periscopes are used to see out of the water if you are in a submarine.
- Periscopes are used to see outside while you stay protected in an armoured tank.
How does a periscope work?
- The periscope has two mirrors inside at the same angle.
- Light enters the periscope at the top and hits one mirror where it reflects at the same angle as it hit the mirror.
- The light travels in a straight line to the mirror at the bottom of the periscope.
- The light reflects at the same angle and travels into the eye.
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Diagram of a periscope
Test yourself on Periscopes
What device uses reflection to help you see over walls?
What is correct about periscopes?