As performers, magicians use many kinds of science to fool their audiences. The better their understanding of how the science works, the better they’ll be at making their trick look impressive.

Keep reading to learn about some of the sciences that magicians use.

Psychology is the science of the human mind and how humans behave. Magicians can use psychology to predict how the audience will react, and use that to their advantage. A common way this is done is distraction, where the magician will be careful to make sure the audience is not paying attention to the important parts of a trick.

Geometry is a kind of mathematics that has to do with shapes and angles. Magicians must always be thinking about visual angles, meaning that it is important that the audience see only what the magician wants. Some tricks can only be done if the audience is watching from a certain angle, like directly in front of the magician--if a person is behind the magician, they might see how the trick works!

Biology is the science of how bodies work. Magicians must be familiar with how their own body works, and how the bodies of their audience work. They can use certain biological limitations to do things that seem impossible, or as advantages to make tricks better.

Magicians often use math in tricks, especially card tricks. Sometimes math can be complex and confusing, and magicians can use this to their advantage to make it seem like the impossible is possible.

When any of the other kinds of science aren’t enough to fool an audience, a magician can turn to engineering: the creation of machines or devices made to assist with their tricks and illusions.