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View Full Version : Convex refraction question


aquabum619
Apr17-07, 11:13 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Why do fish appear bigger when you look at them through a fishbowl?


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
because objects in water appear bigger than they actually are? this has to do with change in the medium from air n1 to water n2???

aquabum619
Apr17-07, 02:26 PM
/bump
i know its bad form and looked down upon but I still need help with this. Thanks!

cristo
Apr17-07, 02:29 PM
because objects in water appear bigger than they actually are?
This isn't an answer is it? It's simply rephrasing the original question!

this has to do with change in the medium from air n1 to water n2???
Yes. What do you know about refraction? What happens to the light when it travels from a less dense medium (e.g. air) to a more dense medium (e.g. water)?

Note, you need to show some work before you can get help with homework questions.

aquabum619
Apr17-07, 02:34 PM
Note, you need to show some work before you can get help with homework questions.

Yea sorry about that.

When light moves from a medium of air to a higher medium, say glass, the angle of light will diffract inward, making the image appear closer than it actually is. But in this case we have an n1 (air), n2 (convex/ concave glass) then a medium of water (n3)
Would the light diffract 3 times since its going through 3 different mediums?