What Causes the Distortion of Light During Heatwaves?

Thread starter AFG34
Start date Nov 30, 2007
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Science

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Heatwaves cause light distortion primarily due to refraction, which occurs when light passes through air layers of varying temperatures and densities. As the ground heats up, the air directly above it becomes warmer and less dense, bending the light rays. This bending results in a shimmering effect, making objects appear wavy or unclear. The phenomenon is particularly noticeable over hot surfaces like concrete during summer. Understanding refraction helps explain why visibility is affected in these conditions.

Nov 30, 2007

AFG34

In summer, sometimes you see heatwaves coming out of the hot concrete. I'm curious as to why light is bent or distorted and you can't really see clearly through these heat waves.

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Nov 30, 2007

cesiumfrog

Are you familiar with "refraction"?

Nov 30, 2007

AFG34

hmm, i forgot about that from last year :D

Nov 30, 2007

mista_chewey

the light is passing through air with different densities due to heat i.e. refraction

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