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?
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air and water. When light passes through the water's surface, it bends and changes direction, making objects appear to be in a different position than they actually are. This is why fish may appear to be in a different location than where they actually are in the water.
Yes, refraction can also affect the size of fish in water. As light passes through water, it is also magnified or reduced, making objects appear larger or smaller than they actually are. This can make it difficult to accurately judge the size of fish in water.
The angle of refraction, which is the angle at which light bends as it passes through water, will determine the degree to which the apparent position of fish is affected. The greater the angle of refraction, the more the fish's position will appear to be shifted from its actual location.
Yes, there are techniques and tools that can help scientists accurately determine the true position of fish in water despite refraction. One method is to use polarized sunglasses, which can reduce the glare on the water's surface and make it easier to see the fish's true position. Another technique is to use underwater cameras or sonar technology to capture more accurate images of fish in their natural habitat.
The clarity of water can greatly affect the degree of refraction and the apparent position of fish. In clear water, with minimal particles or impurities, the angle of refraction may be less and the fish's apparent position may be closer to its actual location. In murky or cloudy water, with more particles and impurities, the angle of refraction may be greater, making the fish's apparent position appear to be further from its actual location.