The apparent position of a fish located 60 cm underwater, as viewed by a bird 120 cm above the water, is determined using the principles of refraction. Although the bird is directly overhead, light rays diverge when transitioning from water to air, causing the fish to appear closer to the surface than its actual depth. This phenomenon occurs because light rays emanate from the fish and bend at the water-air interface, resulting in an apparent position that is shallower than the true depth. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurately interpreting visual observations in different mediums.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the effects of refraction on visual perception in different environments.
From a given point on an object being viewed, light rays go out in all directions. Some of these fall on the lens of your eye, and are brought back together by the lens to focus on your retina. If, along the way, they pass from water into air, they will diverge a little at that boundary. If you project the diverged lines back under water, they will meet at a point closer to the surface than the actual object. That is where you will perceive the object to be.physicsmaths1613 said:Homework Statement
A fish is 60 cm under water. A bird directly overhead looks at the fish. If the bird is 120 cm above the water level, find the apparent position of the fish as seen by the bird.
The question is solved by using the principles of refraction. But, if the bird is directly overhead, there should be no bending of the light rays. Then why do we use refraction here?