Question

Mirage is found due to,
A.) Refraction of light
B.) Total internal reflection
C.) Reflection of light
D.) All

Answer 1

Hint: Mirage is an optical illusion; a false image is formed due to the bending of light when it travels through the air.

Complete step by step answer:
The air present at ground level is hotter than the air above, so as the temperature increases the refractive index of that part of the air decreases. So there is a gradual decrease in the refractive index in the air from top to bottom. So how does this form a mirage?

A mirage is formed when light coming from a higher position is coming to the ground and bends back up since the refractive of air at ground level is really low, so the light ray coming from a higher position undergoes total internal reflection and goes back up in a curved path. This curved light can reach our eyes and make us believe that the light is coming to an object right in front of us. This phenomenon is known as a mirage.

So the answer to the question is option (B)- Total internal reflection.

Additional Information:
Total internal reflection is the phenomenon which is extensively used in fiber optics and many photonic devices.

Note: Since total internal reflection is happening due to refraction of light, option (A)- Refraction of light, can also be an answer to the question. Since both refraction and Total internal reflection is there in the options, we are taking TIR since it is the most suitable answer to the question.

Mirages can be categorized as "inferior" (meaning lower), "superior" (meaning higher) and "Fata Morgana".

Mirages can be captured with a camera since a camera lens is similar to our eyes and it will perceive the refracted light as light coming straight at it.