Phenomena of Refraction

What is the Phenomena of Refraction?

natural effects that occur because light bends when it travels through materials or air layers with different densities

Why does the Sun appear flattened near the horizon?

light bends through air layers of different densities (temperatures), causing the bottom of the sun’s rays to refract more than the top rays

What is Apparent Depth?

the depth at which an object appears to be when viewed through a transparent medium, it is usually less than the real depth because light bends (refracts) as it travels from one medium to another

What causes a Mirage?

on a hot day, the ground heats the air directly above it, making it warmer and less dense than the cooler air higher up. as light travels through these layers of air, it bends away from the normal. your brain traces the bent light back in a straight line, creating a virtual image that can make roads or deserts appear to have water on them

What is a Looming image?

opposite of a mirage where cool air near the surface bends light downward, making objects appear higher and larger than normal

What is an example of a Mirage?

roads/deserts appear wet

What is an example of a Looming Image?

ships appearing raised over water

What causes Shimmering?

light refracts through layers of air with different temperatures and densities

Why does Shimmering make objects appear wavy?

the light bends differently as it passes through changing air layers

What causes a Rainbow?

refraction, dispersion, and total internal reflection inside raindrops

How are Rainbows Formed?

rainbows form when sunlight passes through raindrops and is refracted, causing white light to separate into its different colours

What is the Formation (3) of a Rainbow?

light refracts and disperses when entering a raindrop (air to water), reflects internally, and refracts again when leaving (water to air)

Where must the Sun be to see a Rainbow?

behind the observer, with rain in front