How would a person under water see sunset and sunrise?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around how a person underwater would perceive sunrise and sunset compared to an observer above water. It explores the implications of being submerged on the timing and angular span of these events, with a focus on theoretical and conceptual aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the time of sunrise and sunset remains unchanged, but the angular span of the horizon may shrink.
  • Others propose that the duration of sunrise and sunset is shorter for an underwater observer, along with a decrease in the angular span of the horizon.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the relationship between the changes in duration and angular span, questioning why one would increase while the other decreases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of being underwater on the perception of sunrise and sunset, with no consensus reached on the correct interpretation of the observations.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on assumptions about light refraction and the observer's position relative to the water surface, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

baba bakjohikoplop
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A person completely under sea water tracks the sun. Compared to an observer above water, which of the following observation would be made by the underwater observer?

  1. Neither the time of sunrise or sunset nor the angular span of the horizon changes
  2. sunrise is delayed, sunset is advanced but no change in angular span of horizon
  3. sunrise and sunset time remain unchanged, but angular span shrinks.
  4. the duration and angular span of horizon both decrease.
P.S. I am a math student but this question was asked in the general section of an exam
 
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What are your thoughts on the problem?
 
Drakkith said:
What are your thoughts on the problem?
I have no idea as i am a math student and this question came in general section of a math exam i gave. I guess option 4, so I want to check my answer. If you know please let me know
 
Well, just examine each answer and see if it even makes sense. Answer 4 gives two parts:

1. The duration of sunset and sunrise is shorter.
2. The angular span of the horizon is decreased.

What are your thoughts on 1 and 2?
 
Drakkith said:
Well, just examine each answer and see if it even makes sense. Answer 4 gives two parts:

1. The duration of sunset and sunrise is shorter.
2. The angular span of the horizon is decreased.

What are your thoughts on 1 and 2?
I think angular span will be shorter definitely. But one time should increase and one should decrease as far as sunrise and sunset are concerned.
 
Okay. Why would one increase and the other decrease?
 

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