Question

Mirage in a desert is formed due to __________.

• A. reflection of light
• B. refraction of light
• C. dispersion of light
• D. diffraction of light

Answer 1

The correct option is B

refraction of light

The cause of mirage is the refraction of light. Air near the ground is rarer due to temperature difference. The light rays from the object towards the ground keeps bending away from the normal as they are continuously traveling from denser to rarer medium. As the medium gets rarer near the ground, a point comes when total internal reflection takes place. At this point, the direction of light ray becomes upwards. When these light rays reach our eyes, it appears to be coming from a closer point. This is the reason for the formation of mirage.