Refraction of Light - Puzzles
1. Why does a pencil appear bent when placed partially in water?
Think about how light bends when it moves from one medium to another.
The pencil appears bent because light refracts when it moves from water to air. The apparent position of the submerged part is different due to the change in speed of light.
2. Why does a swimming pool appear shallower than it actually is?
Consider how light rays from the bottom of the pool travel to your eyes.
The pool appears shallower due to refraction. Light rays bend as they travel from water to air, making the bottom seem closer than it is.
3. Why do fish appear larger when seen from above the water surface?
Consider the apparent position and magnification caused by refraction.
Fish appear larger because light rays diverge due to refraction, making the fish seem closer and larger.
4. How does refraction help us see objects under water?
Think about how light rays bend and reach our eyes.
Refraction bends light rays from underwater objects toward our eyes, allowing us to see them.
5. Why do coins placed at the bottom of a glass filled with water appear raised?
Consider the refractive index of water and how it affects light rays.
Coins appear raised due to refraction. Light rays bend as they pass from water to air, altering the apparent depth of the coin.
6. Why does a glass prism separate white light into its spectrum?
Think about the difference in refractive index for each color of light.
A glass prism separates white light into its spectrum because each color bends differently due to varying refractive indices.
