Understanding Refraction: The Mystery of the Immersed Pencil

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optical phenomenon of refraction as it pertains to a pencil immersed in water. Participants note discrepancies in diagrams from three different textbooks regarding the perceived length of the pencil when viewed at an angle. The consensus is that the virtual image of the pencil should appear vertically above the real object, leading to the conclusion that the immersed portion appears shorter. This contradicts some textbook representations, highlighting the need for clarity in educational materials regarding optical principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics, specifically refraction.
  • Familiarity with the concept of virtual images in physics.
  • Knowledge of how light behaves when transitioning between different media.
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to optical phenomena.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Snell's Law and its application in refraction.
  • Explore the concept of virtual images and their characteristics in optical systems.
  • Examine various educational resources to compare representations of refraction.
  • Investigate the effects of viewing angles on the perception of immersed objects.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators seeking accurate teaching materials on optics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light refraction and image formation.

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Homework Statement



You are looking at a pencil immersed at an angle in water. The pencil appears bent and slightly larger because it appears closer. However, does it appear to be shorter, longer or the same size when viewed at an angle from the opposite side?
 
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Do you understand why it looks bent and larger?
 
ben133 said:
Do you understand why it looks bent and larger?

I know refraction really well. Now the point is this: in 3 different books the exact same diagram is different. In one the immersed length appears longer, in the second it appears the same length and in the third it appears shorter. I was always taught that a virtual image of an immersed object always forms VERTICALLY above the object. This would make the virtual image of the immersed pencil appear shorter. Should the image of the tip of the pencil appear vertically above the real tip making the immersed part of the pencil appear shorter?
 

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