Help with the physics of optical illusions

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    Optical Physics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of optical illusions, specifically focusing on how to explain the underlying principles using images. Participants explore the relationship between perception, psychology, and the physical properties involved in optical phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to discuss the physics of optical illusions and seeks assistance in explaining it with images.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for the original poster (OP) to engage more actively in the process before receiving help.
  • The OP claims to have spent significant time trying to understand the physics but struggles to articulate it.
  • Some participants argue that the phenomenon is more about the brain's interpretation of images rather than physics itself, highlighting the psychological aspects of perception.
  • A participant provides an example involving a straw in a glass of water, questioning the factors that contribute to the perception of the straw appearing "cut" and whether this constitutes an optical illusion.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about categorizing the straw example as an optical illusion, suggesting it may differ from cognitive illusions and notes the absence of the images the OP intends to use.
  • There are requests for the OP to share the images to facilitate more targeted assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the discussion involves both physics and psychological aspects of perception, but there is no consensus on how to categorize the examples or the nature of the illusions being discussed. Multiple competing views remain regarding the classification and explanation of optical illusions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the images the OP is referencing, which limits the ability to provide targeted explanations. There is also ambiguity in distinguishing between optical and cognitive illusions.

jj2006
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I really don't know how I can speak about the physics in optical illusions. basically all I need is just 3 images and to explain the physics behind it. Can anyone help?
 
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You really need to do something, anything, yourself before we can help
 
I tried. I got the 3 images, just I can't explain the physics behind it. I spent hours and hours.
 
That's becasue it's not physics- it's how the brain decodes the images in an effort to make sense.
 
Exactly right, it's all about the psychology of human perception and brain processing. An interesting enough topic all to itself.
 
I don't know which illusion you are using, but here's a really simple example:

Say you have a glass of water with a straw in it.

Why does the straw get "cut" sometimes? Does the angle of the straw matter? Does the angle of the light? What about the angle of the viewer? Does the same thing happen with sound?
 
DavidSnider said:
I don't know which illusion you are using, but here's a really simple example:

Say you have a glass of water with a straw in it.

Why does the straw get "cut" sometimes? Does the angle of the straw matter? Does the angle of the light? What about the angle of the viewer? Does the same thing happen with sound?

Is that really an 'optical illusion'? I'm not so sure... It looks odd, but I think it's a little different from cognitive illusions:

http://www.world-mysteries.com/illusions/sci_illusions3.htm

The OP did not give us the images (s)he is trying to explain
 
Can anyone help through MSN Yahoo or so? Please! Not really physics but scientific or so.
 
Can you show us the images you plan to use? We can't really help you unless you do that.
 

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