Light Refraction Homework: Comparing Depths of Water-Filled & Empty Sinks

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the optical phenomenon of light refraction in relation to the appearance of depth in a water-filled sink versus an empty one. It posits that the water-filled sink appears shallower due to light bending, which makes objects beneath the water seem closer to the surface. The participant suggests that the answer to the first question is "shallower" and supports option "c" for the explanation. They seek clarification on their reasoning and invite further discussion on the topic. Understanding light refraction is key to grasping why the water-filled sink appears shallower.
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Homework Statement


A kitchen has twin side-by-side sinks. One sink is filled with water, the other is empty.

1) Does the sink with water appear to be deeper, shallower, or the same depth as the empty sink?
2) Choose the best explanation from among the following:
a) The sink with water appears deeper because you have to look through the water to see the bottom.
b) The sinks are identical, and therefore have the same depth. This doesn't change by putting water in one of them.
c) Water bends the light, making an object under the water appear to be closer to the surface. Thus the water-filled sink appears shallower.


Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm thinking part 1 is shallower and part 2 is "c". I'm going off nothing more than a hunch. if i am correct, can someone explain why. and if i am wrong would somebody please walk me through the reasoning? thanks
 
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Most textbooks treat this and there are many explanations on the web. See for example

http://www.physics.louisville.edu/public/courses/phys111/davis/notes/lo_appdepth.html
 
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