How Do Mirrors Create Reflections of Ourselves?

When you stand in front of a mirror, the glass acts like a window into a magical room behind it. Light leaves your face and travels to the mirror, then bounces back to your eyes. Because the light goes out and comes back at the same angle, your brain thinks the image is inside that room.

Think of the mirror as a trampoline for light. When light hits it, it does not sink in or get absorbed. It bounces off just like a ball hitting the floor. If you throw a ball straight at the floor, it comes back to your hands. Light behaves the same way.

The reflection stays with you because every single dot of light on your body is constantly making new trips to the mirror. If you wave your hand, the light from your fingertips changes direction instantly. The mirror updates the image millions of times per second. It is not a picture stuck to the glass but a live show happening right there.