When I placed a lamp next to a mirror where I can see "two lamps", does that double the light output? I know all the light that would have been wasted on the wall is now being returned so is it a yes?

Melatonin@lemmy.dbzer0.com to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 52 points –
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No, the light output of a lamp is the same, you’ve just focused more of it in a particular direction. It’s the same reason flashlights have a cone shaped mirror around the bulb. If it were possible to double light output, then putting a lamp between two mirrors would make infinite light.

This reminds me of a great demonstration of how directional antennas focus radio waves in one direction: https://youtu.be/lslHtCUSfN4

That was a cool vid- I don’t know much about antennas, so that was a fascinating watch. Thanks!