Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best explains the apparent random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air?
Which of the following best explains the apparent random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air?
- The hot air is less dense than the cooler air
- The hot air has a higher refractive index than the cooler air
- The hot air has a lower refractive index than the cooler air (correct)
- The hot air is denser than the cooler air
Which of the following correctly describes the physical conditions of the refracting medium (air) in this scenario?
Which of the following correctly describes the physical conditions of the refracting medium (air) in this scenario?
- The air is denser near the fire
- The air is stationary and consistent
- The air is cooler near the fire
- The air is turbulent and inconsistent (correct)
What is the main cause of the apparent position of the object fluctuating when seen through the hot air?
What is the main cause of the apparent position of the object fluctuating when seen through the hot air?
- The density of the hot air
- The density of the cooler air
- The refractive index of the cooler air
- The refractive index of the hot air (correct)
What is the similarity between the wavering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air and the twinkling of stars?
What is the similarity between the wavering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air and the twinkling of stars?
Why does the hotter air above the fire become lighter (less dense) than the cooler air above it?
Why does the hotter air above the fire become lighter (less dense) than the cooler air above it?
Which of the following best explains the cause of the twinkling of stars?
Which of the following best explains the cause of the twinkling of stars?
What is the effect of atmospheric refraction on the apparent position of a star?
What is the effect of atmospheric refraction on the apparent position of a star?
Why does the apparent position of a star fluctuate slightly?
Why does the apparent position of a star fluctuate slightly?
What is the main cause of the flickering of starlight entering the eye?
What is the main cause of the flickering of starlight entering the eye?
Why do stars appear as point-sized sources of light?
Why do stars appear as point-sized sources of light?