Question

The formation of mirage is a consequence of _____________.

• A. Varying R.I & TIR
• B. Varying R.I
• C. TIR
• D. None of them

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Varying R.I & TIR

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.