Chapter 18, Problem 6STP

To determine

To Choose: The correct option.

Answer to Problem 6STP

Option B

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Mirages is an optical illusion of water that happens on a warm sunny day. It involves reflection, refraction and heating of air near the ground.

Reflection is commonly known as bouncing back of light from a surface. Refraction is the bending of light when light enters from one medium to another. During warm sunny days, the air near the surface of the earth gets warmed up. A difference in the temperature of air just above the surface and higher above causes sunlight to refract. At the certain angle which is equal to or greater than the critical angle, total internal reflection of light happens. It causes an optical illusion of presence of water.

Huygens’ wavelets: Points on each wave can be regarded as the source of new waves. This is not involved in the formation of mirages.

Conclusion:

Thus, the option B is correct.