How to Make a Periscope A Step-by-Step GuideA periscope is a simple device used to see objects that are out of direct line of sight. It’s often used in submarines, but you can easily create your own periscope for fun or educational purposes. Building a periscope is a great DIY project, and it’s simple enough for beginners. In this topic, we will guide you through the process of making a periscope using everyday materials.
What Is a Periscope?
A periscope is an optical instrument that allows you to observe objects from a higher or lower position by reflecting light off mirrors or prisms. In its basic form, a periscope uses two mirrors set at specific angles to redirect light from the object you wish to see into your eyes. It’s a useful tool for people who need to look around obstacles without moving, such as soldiers, submariners, or anyone wanting a little fun with physics.
Why Make a Periscope?
Making a periscope is a great way to learn about basic principles of optics, including reflection and angles. It’s a fun project that can help you understand how light travels and how mirrors work. A homemade periscope is also a perfect hands-on experiment for science students and a fun toy for children. Plus, it’s inexpensive and can be built using readily available materials.
Materials You Will Need
Before starting your periscope project, gather these simple materials
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Two small mirrors These will be used for the reflection mechanism. You can use small, square mirrors or cut a mirror to the desired size.
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Cardboard or a cardboard tube The body of the periscope can be made from a long rectangular piece of cardboard or a cardboard tube (such as the ones used for paper towels).
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Tape or glue For securing the mirrors and assembling the body of the periscope.
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Scissors You’ll need scissors to cut the cardboard or adjust the size of the mirrors.
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Ruler To measure and cut the cardboard accurately.
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Protractor (optional) If you want to be precise about the angle of the mirrors.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Periscope
Follow these simple steps to make your own periscope.
1. Prepare the Cardboard
The first step is to prepare the main body of the periscope. You can use a long rectangular piece of cardboard, or if you want a more robust periscope, a cardboard tube will work great.
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Using cardboard If you’re using a flat piece of cardboard, measure and cut a rectangular piece that is about 8-10 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. This will be the body of your periscope.
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Using a tube If you’re using a cardboard tube, make sure it’s around 8-10 inches in length. You can simply use a toilet paper roll or a paper towel tube and cut it to size.
2. Cut Slots for the Mirrors
Next, you’ll need to cut two slots in the cardboard where the mirrors will sit. These slots should be positioned on opposite ends of the tube or body of the periscope.
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Angle of mirrors The mirrors should be placed at a 45-degree angle inside the periscope. This will allow light to travel along the tube and reach your eyes. You can use a protractor to measure the angles accurately, or simply eyeball it if you don’t have one.
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Mirror slots At each end of the periscope, cut a small rectangular slot where the mirrors will sit. Ensure the slots are just wide enough to hold the mirrors securely.
3. Attach the Mirrors
Once the slots are cut, it’s time to attach the mirrors.
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Positioning the mirrors Place one mirror at the top end of the periscope (this will be the observation end) and the other at the bottom end (this will be the viewing end). Make sure each mirror is at a 45-degree angle so that light can reflect off one mirror, travel through the tube, and then reflect off the second mirror into your eyes.
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Secure the mirrors Use tape or glue to hold the mirrors in place inside the periscope. Ensure they are positioned firmly at the correct angles. The mirrors should be parallel to each other and positioned so that they can reflect light into your line of sight.
4. Assemble the Body of the Periscope
If you are using a flat piece of cardboard, you will need to fold it into a rectangular shape to form the body of the periscope.
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Fold the cardboard Fold the rectangular piece of cardboard into a long box shape, securing the edges with tape or glue. Ensure the box is open at both ends, and that the mirrors are properly aligned inside.
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Final assembly If you’re using a cardboard tube, simply glue or tape the mirrors in place inside the tube, ensuring that they are angled correctly.
5. Test the Periscope
Once the mirrors are securely in place and the body is assembled, it’s time to test your periscope. Look through the bottom end of the periscope and angle it towards an object at a distance. You should be able to see the reflection of the object from the top end of the periscope.
- Adjusting the angle If the view is unclear or you can’t see the object properly, try adjusting the angles of the mirrors slightly. This will improve the reflection and ensure you can see clearly.
Tips for Improving Your Periscope
While the basic design of a periscope is quite simple, there are a few ways you can enhance your project
Use a Longer Tube
If you want your periscope to have a longer range, you can use a longer cardboard tube or a longer piece of cardboard. This allows you to see over greater obstacles, making the periscope more effective.
Experiment with Mirror Sizes
Try using larger mirrors for a clearer and brighter view. Larger mirrors will allow more light to travel through the periscope, providing a more vivid image.
Add a Viewing Window
You can add a small viewing window or lens to the bottom of the periscope for better clarity. This can help enhance the image quality, especially if you’re using smaller mirrors.
How Does a Periscope Work?
A periscope works on the principles of light reflection. When light hits an object, it bounces off the surface and travels in straight lines. The mirrors inside the periscope reflect this light at a 45-degree angle, allowing you to see objects that would otherwise be out of sight.
The two mirrors inside the periscope reflect the light through the tube and direct it toward your eyes. Because of the angle of reflection, you can look at objects from a higher or lower perspective, depending on the position of the mirrors.
Making a periscope is a fun and educational DIY project that allows you to explore basic physics concepts. It’s easy to build, inexpensive, and can be made using common household materials. Whether you’re making it for a science experiment, a school project, or just for fun, a homemade periscope can provide endless entertainment and help you understand the way light and reflection work. Enjoy building your periscope, and don’t forget to explore the world from a new perspective!