Optic water refraction question

AI Thread Summary
When viewing an empty flask with chalk pieces in a beaker of water from a horizontal angle, the flask appears larger due to light refraction acting like a magnifying lens. This effect is caused by the curved sides of the flask, which distort the light as it exits the water. Conversely, looking straight down minimizes this effect because the flat top and bottom of the flask do not bend the light in the same way. The discussion highlights the differences in visual perception based on the angle of observation. Understanding these principles of optics clarifies the phenomenon of apparent size changes due to refraction.
herfox
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An empty flask containing some chalk pieces is placed inside a beaker full of water. When look horizontally, the flask appears to be larger than it really is. why?
and when looked verticlaly down, the content of the flask shrinks, or even disapperas. why?
 
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Because as the light refracts out of the water and the contents are magified. When you look straight down the contesnts are not so much altered because the water is not as curved as looking horozontly at the curved part.
 
hmm... sorry, but I still don't really get it =/
can you explain again?
 
The sides of the flask are curved. When looked at from the side the flask and water acts like a magnifying lens. The top and bottom of the flask are flat so that doesn't happen when you look from above.
 
ohhh... COOL
I get it now. Thx a lot Ivy!
 

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