Chapter 18, Problem 82A

To determine

To describe: The process through which the mirage occurs.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Mirage is an optical phenomenon. In a mirage, the displaced image of the distant objects appears as if it is at a nearer distance. The refraction of light is the main reason behind the formation of a mirage.

Greenland which is at a further distance is appeared to Eric as if it is nearer. The reason is, the light rays from the Greenland traveled some distance and got refracted due to the difference in the refractive indices of the cold air and hot air. Later, the rays coming from the top of the island arrive first, then the bottom rays arrive. As a result, an inverted image of the island is formed and this image which acts as a mirror might have been seen by E and the image is called a mirage. Thus, the mirage of the island helped E to discover Greenland.