with glass

Many magicians make a living using science to produce very convincing illusions. The burning finger illusion is one of many that can be easily reproduced in the classroom.

Obtain a clear piece of glass and two candles. Set them up as shown on the right (scan the image for more information)

Set one candle burning on one side of the glass and the other candle on the opposite side of the mirror.

Adjust the candles so that their distance from the glass is equal.
Looking through the glass towards the unlit candle adjust its position so that the flame reflected from the glass looks as though it is coming from the wick of the unlit candle.

Click to see a 120kb video of the effect.

Using the words partial transmission, partial reflection explain how this (in the video) illusion is created.