Question

Twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric
A. Refraction of light
B. Reflection of light
C. Scattering of light
D. Dispersion of light

Answer 1

Hint: Understand the concept of refraction, reflection, scattering and dispersion of light. Then, understand the concept of twinkling of stars. Finally compare which phenomenon relates with twinkling of stars and you will get your answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Reflection of light is the phenomenon in which light travelling from one medium when strikes the surface of another medium, returns to the first medium.
Refraction of light is the phenomenon in which light travelling from one medium to another medium, bends away or towards the normal.
Scattering of light is the phenomenon in which light travelling from one medium to another is absorbed by the second medium and then is radiated out in a particular direction.
Dispersion of light is the phenomenon in which white light when passed through a glass prism splits into its seven constituent colors.
Twinkling of stars is caused due to layers of atmosphere. When light from stars enters the atmosphere then it passes through different densities, temperatures and many factors. This causes the light to bend. And there is a difference in the actual position and the apparent position. This appears as twinkling.
Rays of light from stars bend when they travel from one medium to another. So we can conclude that twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric refraction of light. Thus, option A is correct.

Note: In reflection of light bends in the same media. In scattering of light, rays of light are absorbed by another medium and then reflected. While in case of dispersion, light splits into seven colors. Thus, none of the above options relate to the concept of twinkling of light and they are incorrect.