We present a reflection on students and teachers ideas about the importance of the experiment in teaching and learning physics. It also differentiates three types of experiments that are commonly used to highlight the experimental part of physics, such as real, mental and simulation experiments. We also reflect on the importance of presenting a historical reference of the experiment to be studied in the physics class and explain the benefits that this implementation can bring in the class. Finally, conclusions are presented in the form of reflection, which indicates that the experiment is an essential part of physics teaching.