Help with the physics of optical illusions

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The discussion focuses on the challenge of explaining the physics behind optical illusions, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of human perception. Participants highlight that understanding these illusions involves more than just physics; it requires knowledge of how the brain interprets visual information. A specific example is provided regarding a straw in water, questioning the effects of angles on perception. The original poster is encouraged to share the specific images they are working with to receive more targeted assistance. Overall, the conversation underscores the interplay between physics and psychology in understanding optical illusions.
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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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