Chapter 12, Problem 33R

To determine

To explain: an image of a distant object produced by the refraction of light through air layers of different densities.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

An image of a distant object produced by refraction of light through air of layers of different densities is called mirage.

A mirage is an optical phenomenon that creates the illusion of water and results from the refraction of light through a non-uniform medium. This optical illusion mostly occurs in desert or sea, by which the image of some object appears displaced above or below because of spatial variations in the refractive index of air due to varying densities and temperature.

Conclusion:

Thus, an image of a distant object produced by the refraction of light through air layers of different densities is called mirage.