Podcast
Questions and Answers
What causes the hotter air just above a fire to be lighter than the cooler air above it?
What causes the hotter air just above a fire to be lighter than the cooler air above it?
- The fire's light
- The fire's smoke
- The fire's heat (correct)
- The fire's sound
Which phenomenon is responsible for the apparent random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air?
Which phenomenon is responsible for the apparent random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air?
- Reflection of light
- Scattering of light
- Diffraction of light
- Refraction of light (correct)
Why does the apparent position of an object seen through hot air fluctuate?
Why does the apparent position of an object seen through hot air fluctuate?
- The object is changing shape
- The object is moving
- The cool air is moving
- The hot air is moving (correct)
What is the cause of the twinkling of stars?
What is the cause of the twinkling of stars?
How does the atmospheric refraction of starlight occur?
How does the atmospheric refraction of starlight occur?
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?
Why does the air just above the fire become hotter than the air further up?
Why does the air just above the fire become hotter than the air further up?
What is the main cause of the twinkling of stars?
What is the main cause of the twinkling of stars?
What is the effect of atmospheric refraction on the apparent position of an object seen through hot air?
What is the effect of atmospheric refraction on the apparent position of an object seen through hot air?
Why does the hotter air just above the fire have a refractive index slightly less than that of the cooler air?
Why does the hotter air just above the fire have a refractive index slightly less than that of the cooler air?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Temperature and Air Density
- Hot air is less dense than cool air due to thermal expansion, causing it to rise.
Refraction and Optical Illusions
- The apparent random wavering or flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air is due to atmospheric refraction.
- This phenomenon occurs because light travels at different speeds through air of varying temperatures, causing bending of light paths.
- As a result, the apparent position of an object seen through hot air fluctuates.
Starlight and Atmospheric Refraction
- The twinkling of stars is caused by atmospheric refraction, which bends starlight as it passes through layers of air with varying temperatures.
- Atmospheric refraction causes the apparent position of a star to fluctuate, making it twinkle.
Thermal Gradient and Air Temperature
- The air just above a fire becomes hotter than the air further up due to heat conduction and convection.
- The refractive index of the hotter air just above the fire is slightly less than that of the cooler air, contributing to the bending of light paths.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
