Hooked on Science: Wacky bananas

Just because two objects look like they are different sizes, doesn't mean they are.

Materials

* Two bananas

Instructions

STEP 1: Make sure the bananas are exactly the same size. Hold one of the bananas above the other, lining up the two left edges, and observe.

STEP 2: Switch the pieces and observe.

Explanation

The bottom banana looks longer when compared to the top banana. Although each piece is exactly the same size, your eyes compare the bottom arc of the top banana to the top arc of the bottom banana, which is longer. This tricks your brain into believing the bottom banana is longer.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his websitehookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments.