What Causes the Distortion of Light During Heatwaves?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter AFG34
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Science
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of light distortion observed during heatwaves, particularly in relation to how light behaves when passing through varying air densities caused by heat. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical explanations of refraction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the observation of light distortion during heatwaves, particularly over hot surfaces like concrete.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of "refraction" as a relevant factor in understanding this phenomenon.
  • A third participant acknowledges a previous familiarity with the concept of refraction.
  • A fourth participant explains that the distortion occurs because light passes through air of different densities due to heat, which relates to the concept of refraction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the relevance of refraction to the observed light distortion, but the discussion does not reach a consensus on the detailed mechanisms or implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not explore the specific conditions under which the distortion occurs or the precise nature of the air density variations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in optics, atmospheric physics, or those curious about visual phenomena related to temperature variations may find this discussion relevant.

AFG34
Messages
130
Reaction score
0
In summer, sometimes you see heatwaves coming out of the hot concrete. I'm curious as to why light is bent or distorted and you can't really see clearly through these heat waves.
 
Science news on Phys.org
Are you familiar with "refraction"?
 
hmm, i forgot about that from last year :D
 
the light is passing through air with different densities due to heat i.e. refraction
 

Similar threads

What are the Global Impacts of Extreme Heatwaves in 2021?
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
High School How would light work on a mirror very far away?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Why are light waves depicted as lines, circles, and sinusoids?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
High School Can someone explain this projection distortion effect
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Huh? Seeing crisp vitreous floaters while using microscope
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Graduate Curious optical effect related to light passing through a mesh
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
20K
High School Considering a budget observatory
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Are these explanations for color/light-absorption correct?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School What happens at the boundary with light refraction?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad How incandescent light bulbs create light
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K