Grades K–2 · Everyday Life
How can a tiny hole make an upside-down picture?
A tiny opening in a dark box can make a picture on the wall inside. The picture may be upside down even though there is no lens. Light travels from the bright object through the opening.
In the diagramA tiny hole can turn a picture overDark box and screen · no lensObjectHoleScreenTop pathBottom pathThe light paths cross; the object does not turn over.
Light from the top goes through the hole and reaches the lower part of the screen. Light from the bottom reaches the upper part. The paths cross at the opening.
The object has not turned over. Its light makes a turned-over picture. A small opening keeps many other light paths out, helping the picture stay separate instead of becoming a bright blur.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Recognizes top and bottom and can follow two colored and differently labeled lines with adult reading support.
Sources
- Exploratorium — Pringles Pinhole: What’s Going On?