Mirage is an example of :
How Mirage Forms :: 1. The temperature of layers of atmosphere goes on decreasing as we go up. 2. Therefore, density and refractive index of air changes as one goes up. 3. Thus, a ray of light,gets refracted more and more away from the normal. 4. At a particular angle when a ray of light exceeds critical angle, total internal reflection takes place and ray of light gets reflected in the same medium. 5. When the reflected ray reaches our eye, it appears as coming from tree or sky . 6. Hence, the inverted image of the tree creates an impression of a pond. |