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    Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Disappearing Coin Trick

    Disappearing Coin Trick

    February 28, 2018 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Here at Science Sparks we love science tricks and super simple science experiments. This disappearing coin trick is both!

    The trick uses refraction of light to make it look like a coin under a glass disappears!

    Impress your family and friends with this simple science magic trick and learn about light at the same time!

    How to make a coin disappear

    Materials

    Glass cup or jar

    Coin

    Water

    Empty glasses and coins for a science magic trick using refraction

    Instructions

    Place a glass on top of a coin and ask a friend if they can still see the coin. Hopefully they will say yes!

    Pour water into the glass and ask your friend if they can see the coin now. They should say that the coin has disappeared.

    empty glass of water for a refraction of light experiment.

    Why does the coin disappear?

    Light (from the sun, or an artificial light) travels in a straight line, bounces off objects and into our eyes, allowing us to see things. Generally there is little or no refraction of light as it travels through air.

    However, when you pour water into the glass or jar the light from the coin is refracted ( bends ) and doesn’t make it to your eyes which is why the coin seems to disappear.

    Did you know that the retina at the back of your eye contains over 120 million rods and 8 million cones?? Rods detect light and dark and cones allow us to detect colour.

    More light experiments and investigations

    Try a light refraction experiment with arrows.

    Make a light maze to demonstrate light travelling in straight lines!

    Split light into the colours of the rainbow with a prism!

    prism on a window sill splitting light into it's constituent colours

    Suitable for Key stage 2 Science

    Light

    Light travels in straight lines

    Scientific concepts

    Light

    Refraction

    Image of coins and a glass for a science magic trick using refraction to make a coin disappear

    Last Updated on May 18, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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