Chapter 9, Problem 16STP

To determine

To explain why object underwater seem to be closer to the surface than they actually are.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Object underwater seem to be closer to the surface than they actually are because of the refraction of the light rays from the object.

In the case of an underwater object, light rays from object gets deflected through it’s actual path while passing through water to air and this process is called refraction of light. That is why they appear to be closer to the surface. The depth, which appears so, it is called apparent depth.

Conclusion:

Thus, the object underwater seem to be closer to the surface than they actually are because of the refraction of the light rays from the object.