Question

A mirage takes place due to _______.
A) Reflection
B) Refraction
C) Total Internal Reflection
D) Both (B) and (C)

Answer 1

Hint: Recall the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Total internal reflection is defined as the complete reflection of the ray of light from a medium such as water or glass back to the medium from surroundings. The phenomenon of total internal reflection occurs only if the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle.

Complete answer:
Mirage is defined as a phenomenon in which there is optical illusion. This means that the objects seem displaced from their position. When the rays of light from the sun travel to the atmosphere, their speed is different due to hot and cold air in various layers of atmosphere. When the air at the ground is very hot and the surrounding air is cold, the air above the ground also gets warm. The warm air is light and moves up and the cold air takes its place. As a result, when light rays move from cold air atmosphere to hot air, they get refracted. This is how mirage happens and the objects seem to be displaced.
A mirage takes place due to total internal reflection.

Therefore, Option (C) is the right answer.

Note: It is to be noted that there is a condition for mirage to occur. It is due to the presence of water and it occurs due to the refraction of light due to a change in medium. It can be observed while driving on a roadway during sunny days. The critical angle is defined as the minimum angle of incidence that is required for the light ray to get refracted.