Phenomena Related to Refraction

Question 1

what is apparent depth

Answer 1

the depth an object appears to be at due to the refraction of light in a transparent medium

Question 2

what is flattened sun

Answer 2

light from the bottom of the sun is refracted more than the light from the top of the sun causing the bending of the suns rays and causing the sun to look flattened

Question 3

What is water on the pavement (the mirage)

Answer 3

virtual image formed as a result of refraction and total internal reflection in the Earth’s atmosphere

Question 4

what is shimmering

Answer 4

a total internal refraction occurs in the lowest warm air layer and as a result multiple virtual images of the moon on the water’s surface occur

Question 5

how is a rainbow formed

Answer 5

a rainbow is formed from 3 refractions
1) light enters raindrops and is refracted
2) light hits the back of raindrop and partial internal refraction occurs
3) light exits the raindrop and refraction occurs
our eyes see this light and perceive it as a rainbow