Question

Write at least three effects of refraction of light in our day-to-day life?

Answer 1

Hint: The question given here asks us about the effects of refraction of light in our day-to-day life. So, we will first discuss what is the refraction of the light and then only we will be able to proceed towards the effects of refraction of light in our day-to-day life.

Complete step-by-step solution: -
In order to discuss the effects of refraction in day-to-day life we will first discuss what is refraction of light?
Refraction is defined as the bending of the wave when it passes from one medium to another. The bending of waves is caused due to the differences in density between the two substances.
Now, let us discuss what the effects of refraction on our day-to-day life are.
A swimming pool always looks shallower than it really is, because the light coming from the bottom of the pool bends when it comes out at the surface due to refraction of light as the density of air and water both are different.
A straight stick when immersed partly in water and partly in air it always looks bent at the surface of water, because the light coming from the stick bends when it comes out at the surface due to refraction of light.
Twinkling of stars is due to the refraction of light because of the difference in the densities of the medium. This atmospheric refraction occurs in a medium of gradually changing refractive index.
A line or a spot of ink on a paper will always appear to be raised when viewed through the glass slab due to the refraction of light as the density of glass and air is different.
A coin or stone when lying at the bottom of a container filled with water appears to be raised because of refraction of light.

Note: Refraction of light is one of the most commonly observed phenomena in our life, but the other waves like sound waves and water waves also experience refraction. Refraction makes it possible for us to have optical instruments such as magnifying glasses, lenses and prisms. It is also because of the refraction of light that helps us to focus light on our retina.