demonstrations:flying_optical_illusion
Flying Optical Illusion
Materials: ★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories
Difficulty: ★★☆ Can be done by science teachers
Safety: ★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
Categories: Light, Senses and Perception, Science Shows
Alternative titles: Floating with Mirrors
Summary
A large mirror creates the illusion that a person’s leg reflection is actually their other leg, making it appear as though both legs lift off the ground and the person is flying.
Procedure
- Place a large flat mirror vertically on the floor, with volunteers holding it if needed.
- Stand with one leg in front of the mirror and the other leg hidden behind it.
- From the audience’s perspective, the leg in front of the mirror appears as the opposite leg reflected.
- Lift the leg in front of the mirror. The reflection makes it appear that both legs are raised, creating the illusion of flight.
- Ask students to explain how reflection creates this illusion.
Links
Flying mirror Illusion - dArtofScience:
📄 Flying Optical Illusion - Science World: https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/flying-optical-illusion/
Variations
- Let student volunteers try the illusion to experience it themselves.
- Experiment with arm positions or props to see how reflections change perception.
- Use multiple mirrors to create more complex illusions.
Safety Precautions
- Handle the mirror carefully to avoid breakage or injury.
- Ensure the mirror is stable and supported so it does not tip over.
- Clear the demonstration area of tripping hazards.
Questions to Consider
- How many actual legs are being seen in the illusion? (Only one real leg plus its reflection.)
- Which parts of the legs are visible? (The front leg and the mirror’s reflection of its inner side.)
- Why does the brain interpret the reflection as a second leg? (The reflection appears in the orientation expected of the hidden leg.)
- How does this demonstration show the properties of light? (Light rays reflect off the mirror and travel to our eyes, creating the illusion of depth.)