Drag and rotate the laser to see how the beam reflects off of the corner reflector.

The behaviour of the reflection may seem surprising at first... the departing beam of light always reflects parallel to the incoming beam.

This is true for any reflecting surfaces placed at right angles to each other — even in 3D as long as you use three surfaces. For further explanations about the workings and applications of corner reflectors, watch Destin and Henry's video.

Next: Watch the Video

Corner Reflector EduWidget
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Watch the Video

Henry (MinutePhysics) and Destin (Smarter Every Day) reflect on the awesomeness of corner reflectors, and give insight into some interesting applications they have, including a very important role they play in a NASA experiment on the moon!

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