Why does hot water visually separate from cold?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visual separation of hot water from cold water, particularly in the context of an electric heater in a fish tank. Participants explore the phenomena related to density, refractive index, and visual effects similar to those observed above hot ground in the desert.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes that hot water appears to visually separate from cold water due to density differences and describes it as swirling, similar to shimmering effects seen above hot ground.
  • Another participant agrees that the hotter water likely has a different refractive index due to its decreased density, which may contribute to the visual separation.
  • A question is raised about whether the alternate refractive index of hot water is also responsible for shimmering effects in the air above hot ground, suggesting a potential connection between the two phenomena.
  • A later reply confirms that the shimmering effect above hot ground is indeed the same concept as the visual separation of hot water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the idea that the different refractive index of hot water due to decreased density contributes to its visual separation from cold water. However, there is some exploration of whether this concept applies similarly to the shimmering effect above hot ground, indicating a nuanced discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying mechanisms fully, and assumptions about the relationship between density, refractive index, and visual effects remain implicit.

billyboy223
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Hey guys, I'm new to these forums so I'm hoping i have posted this question in the appropriate thread.

Recently, i noticed the electric heater in my fish tank had a volume of water around it all times which was rising, it made sense to me that the water surrounding the heater would be rising due to density, but the fact that it was visually separated to the colder water puzzled me. It was like the hot water appeared like alcohol, rising with swirls.

I asked my friend what he thought it could possibly be, and he said it appeared to have the same characteristics as hot ground does in the desert, shimmering above the surface as the hotter medium rises. But i was not convinced, i was thinking more along the lines that perhaps the hotter water had a different refractive index due to its decreased density, and in relation to the light shining upon it consequently appeared isolated.

I'm sure there is many people on here that have a greater idea than me as to why this happens, it would be great if you could help me out. Thanks.
 
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billyboy223 said:
the hotter water had a different refractive index due to its decreased density
Pretty much :smile:
 
mmmm, would this alternate refractive index also be the reason why the airspace immidiately above hot ground sometimes shimmers? Or is my friends opinion a different concept altogether?
 

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