Concept explainers
To Explain: A mirage is a result of refraction or reflection.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
An optical illusion that is caused by atmospheric conditions is known as a mirage. A mirage is an illusion of presence of water in a desert due to the refraction of light by hot air.
Explanation:
Mirage occurs when the light moves through the cool air and into the hot air. This is due to the refraction of light through the layers of hot air.
A mirage is not only seen in the desert, it is also seen on the blacktop highway on a sunny day. One can see this mirage as the wet spot on the high way when traveling in a car.
The hot ground warms the surrounding air to higher temperatures so that a light ray grazing the surface is refracted.
Conclusion:
A mirage is a result of refraction.
Chapter 29 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition)
Essential University Physics (3rd 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