Question

Just before the time of sunset the sun appears to be bigger because

• A. sun changes its shape at that time
• B. of the scattering of light
• C. of the effect of refraction
• D. of reflection

Answer 1

The correct option is C

of the effect of refraction

The explanation for correct option:

$C:$ of the effect of refraction

1. Our atmosphere makes acts as an interface of two mediums such that the light refracts when passes through it.
2. During the sunset, the angle of refraction is more such that it makes the sun look bigger as shown in the figure.

Thus, just before the time of sunset, the sun appears to be bigger because of the effect of refraction.

The explanation for all other options:

1. The sun is a star that changes its shape due to the sun's interior flow of matter, but it is very very small and cannot be observed every day.
2. The scattering of light makes the light scatter in all directions which causes the rainbow after the rain but it does not affect the size of the sun seen from earth.
3. The light incident on the atmosphere of the earth gets refracted. But after the critical angle, it may get reflected but the reflected light goes back into space such that it does not reach the eye of the observer to make the sun appear to be bigger.

Hence, the correct option is $C$.