Concept explainers
(a)
The reason that it makes sense that the stars bend toward vertical direction.
(a)
Answer to Problem 17Q
Atmospheric refraction of the earth.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction: Refraction of light through the Earth’s atmosphere is called Atmospheric refraction. The earth’s atmosphere is unevenly distributed which means that it is optically thicker at lower level but it is rarer at higher level.
The index of refraction of atmosphere is slightly greater than that of vacuum of space. According to Snell’s law, as light rays from stars enter in atmosphere, they slow down and also bend towards the normal.
So,the refraction of light is the reason for the stars image.
(b)
The apparent position of stars as viewed from earth.
(b)
Answer to Problem 17Q
The reason for certain is vertical reflection of light rays.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction: Refraction of light through the Earth’s atmosphere is called Atmospheric refraction. The earth’s atmosphere is unevenly distributed which means that it is optically thicker at lower level but it is rarer at higher level.
As the light rays come into atmosphere, they bend towards the vertical and after then they reach the human eyes. As eyes “follow” these rays back into the space, image of the stars appears higher as compared to the actual position.
Chapter 23 Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Essential University Physics: Volume 2 (3rd Edition)
Conceptual Physical Science (6th Edition)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, Vol. 1 (Chs 1-21) (4th Edition)
Sears And Zemansky's University Physics With Modern Physics
The Cosmic Perspective (8th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON