Consider a bird flying vertically downwards towards a fish inside the pond on the ground. At a given instant, if the true height of the bird is x from the plane surface of water, t... Consider a bird flying vertically downwards towards a fish inside the pond on the ground. At a given instant, if the true height of the bird is x from the plane surface of water, the bird will appear at a height y as seen by the fish in the water due to refraction of light through the plane air-water interface.
Understand the Problem
The question involves understanding the principles of refraction at a curved surface and the behavior of light as it passes through different media. Specifically, it discusses how a bird appears to be at a different height to a fish due to refraction when the bird is flying above a body of water.
Answer
y = (n2/n1) * x
The observed height y of the bird as seen by the fish in water is calculated as y = (n2/n1) * x.
Answer for screen readers
The observed height y of the bird as seen by the fish in water is calculated as y = (n2/n1) * x.
More Information
This phenomenon occurs due to the refraction of light at the air-water interface, causing the light rays to bend and change direction, making the bird appear at a different height than its actual position.
Tips
A common mistake is not accounting for the refractive indices of the mediums correctly. Ensure to use the correct indices for air (n1 = 1) and water (n2).
Sources
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