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    How does the two-way mirror, the kind where it's an ordinary mirror on one side but you can see out the other side, work?

    Question #38463. Asked by tjoebigham. (Sep 05 03 4:42 PM)


    ajdale

    		A regular one-way mirror is basically glass coated with a reflective surface that reflects all of the light back so the viewer sees their own reflection.

    With a two-way mirror the coating only reflects some of the light; still enough for the viewer to see their reflection, but it also allows enough light through for the people on the other side to see through the mirror.

    This only works when the light being reflected back is brighter than the light on the other side of the mirror. In an interrogation situation, for example, the interview would be conducted in a well-lighted room while the observers would be in a darkened room on the other side of the mirror.

    It's the same effect when you look out of a window at night. If you have the lights on inside all you'll see is your own reflection. If you turn them off you'll be able to see outside.

    Sep 05 03, 9:49 PM

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