Understanding the Science behind the Mysterious Mobius Strip

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To create a true Möbius strip, one must take a strip of paper, give it a half twist, and then tape the ends together. Drawing a line on the strip before twisting results in the line appearing only on one side, which is inconsistent with the Möbius strip's property of having only one continuous side. The confusion arises from the initial drawing on an untwisted strip, which retains two sides. When made correctly, the Möbius strip allows for a single, continuous curve that encompasses its entire surface. Understanding this process clarifies the unique topology of the Möbius strip.
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I tried making a mobeus strip (by taking a strip of paper, and turning it 180 degrees then connecting the edges). I drew a line on the strip prior to turning it and connecting the edges. The line appeared on one side and not the other...which is inconsisstent with the fact that a mobeus strip is supposed to have one side only. Mine had two.
How do I make one--accurately?
Why does it have only 1 side? How does this happen? How does it work exactly (not how its made please)?
 
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You shall draw the line after you have made your Moebius band.
An untwisted strip of paper has 2 sides, so drawing your line prior to twisting it, will leave the other side blank. This part of the strip will remain blank even if you twist the paper.
 
Is it just an illusion?
 
No, it is not!
If you do it properly, you will get a single, continuous curve that goes around its whole surface.
 
I think the way you made it is wrong.
Here is how to accurately make a moebius strip.
1. Take a strip of paper.
2. Give it a half twist (turn one end over)
3. Tape the ends together.
 
Imparcticle said:
I tried making a mobeus strip (by taking a strip of paper, and turning it 180 degrees then connecting the edges). I drew a line on the strip prior to turning it and connecting the edges. The line appeared on one side and not the other...

Actually, the line appeared along half the length of the one side...not on one side out of two.
 
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