Explain in your own words how the refraction of light contributes to the formation of a mirage.

Mirages are formed when light passes through air of different temperatures. The light bends (refracts) as it moves from warmer to cooler air (or vice versa), causing the image of a distant object to appear displaced or distorted.

Describe the conditions necessary for an inferior mirage to occur. Where would you typically observe this type of mirage?

Inferior mirages occur when the ground is very hot, heating the air directly above it. This creates a layer of hot, less dense air near the surface and cooler, denser air above. Light from the sky is refracted upwards as it passes through these layers, creating the illusion of water on the ground. This is commonly observed on hot roads or in deserts.

How does the angle of incidence affect the degree of refraction and, consequently, the appearance of a mirage?

The greater the angle of incidence, the greater the degree of refraction. At a critical angle, total internal reflection can occur, which significantly distorts the image and makes the mirage more pronounced.

Imagine you are driving on a hot day and see a mirage of water on the road. Explain why the 'water' disappears as you approach it.

As you approach the mirage, the angle at which you are viewing the refracted light changes. The conditions causing the refraction are only present at a specific distance and angle. As you move closer, the light no longer refracts in the same way, and the mirage disappears.

What are Mirages?

Name: What are Mirages?
Author: Insta~Lesson

9th Grade · Physics · 40 min

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Learning Objective

I can explain how mirages are formed through the refraction of light.

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What are Mirages?

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Related Lessons

Kinetic and Potential Energy

Exploring Newton's Laws

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