Why Mirrors Reverse Left and Right

This episode reveals that mirrors do not actually reverse left and right. Instead, they reverse the direction perpendicular to their surface—what we experience as front and back. The illusion happens because our brains compare the reflection to another person who has turned around to face us, mentally creating a left-right swap.

The episode explains how reflected writing, selfies, and asymmetric faces make this effect especially noticeable. It also explores mirror symmetry, chirality, and the way engineers use reflections in rearview mirrors, periscopes, and optical devices.

Ultimately, the strange behavior of mirrors is not caused by the mirror misunderstanding direction. It comes from the way the human brain interprets orientation. The mirror simply redirects light; our perception creates the puzzle.