Understanding the Science behind the Mysterious Mobius Strip

  • Thread starter Imparcticle
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In summary, to accurately make a Moebius strip, follow these steps: 1. Take a strip of paper. 2. Give it a half twist (turn one end over) 3. Tape the ends together. Remember to draw the line after you have made the Moebius band, as an untwisted strip of paper has 2 sides and drawing the line prior to twisting it will leave one side blank. When done correctly, you will have a single, continuous curve that goes around the whole surface.
  • #1
Imparcticle
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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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
Is it just an illusion?
 
  • #4
No, it is not!
If you do it properly, you will get a single, continuous curve that goes around its whole surface.
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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.
 

FAQ: Understanding the Science behind the Mysterious Mobius Strip

What is a Mobeus strip?

A Mobeus strip is a mathematical object that has only one side and one edge. It is created by taking a long strip of paper, giving it a half-twist, and then joining the ends together.

Who discovered the Mobeus strip?

The Mobeus strip was discovered by German mathematician and astronomer August Ferdinand Möbius in 1858.

What are the properties of a Mobeus strip?

A Mobeus strip has some unique properties, such as having only one surface and one edge, being non-orientable (meaning it has no distinct inside or outside), and having a continuous surface that runs along both sides of the strip.

What are the real-world applications of the Mobeus strip?

The Mobeus strip has been used in various engineering and design applications, such as conveyor belts, computer memory circuits, and even in music instruments like the Mobeus strip organ.

Is the Mobeus strip a 3-dimensional object?

No, the Mobeus strip is a 2-dimensional object that exists in 3-dimensional space. It has a length, width, and thickness, but only one surface and one edge.

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