Physics Magic

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dc.creatorLasry, Nathaniel
dc.creatorChristin, Pierre-Osias
dc.date2006-06-16
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T07:18:46Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T07:18:46Z
dc.descriptionThe purpose of this paper is to show the magic of physics by showing the physics of magic. What usually makes magic tricks interesting is that something unexpected occurs. Similarly, demonstrations are interesting inasmuch as they produce something unexpected. Since expectations are linked to preconceptions, a demonstration making use of a flaw in a preconception will result in something unexpected. Given the numerous misconceptions in physics, many demonstrations can be dressed up as magic tricks. The first objective of this paper is to share with other physics teachers the excitement of creating and using magical classroom demonstrations. The second objective is to provide interested instructors with practical means to convert a classical demonstration into a magic trick. To illustrate the procedure, two classical demonstrations will be re-presented as the magic tricks we have presented in our courses. The final goal is to use current ideas in educational psychology to explain why using magic has worked so well in our courses in providing students with a new impetus to learn physics. This description is not meant to be formal, but proposes a theoretical model that fits our classroom observations.
dc.descriptionSubmitted to: The Physics Teacher
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0606151
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0606151
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/114422
dc.subjectPhysics Education
dc.subjectPopular Physics
dc.titlePhysics Magic
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