Q2DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

Sunlight or starlight passing through the earth’s atmosphere is always ben toward the vertical. Why? Does this mean that a star is not really where it appears to be? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, we see the sun or star through the refracted light.

Step 1: Definition of Refraction

Refraction is the redirection of a wave as it passes from one medium to another.

Step 2: Determine the reason using Snell’s law

When light enters from a rarer medium to a denser medium it gets refracted towards the normal, according to Snell’s law. The earth’s atmosphere is having denser medium than the outside so the light will bend towards the normal.

As the light is getting refracted we are seeing the Sun or Star through the Refracted light. It means if on extending the refracted light, the apparent position of the Sun or Star is seen than the actual.

Thus, Sunlight or starlight passing through the earth’s atmosphere is always ben toward the vertical because of the Refraction.