Question

What is a mirage? Explain the conditions under which it is seen.

Answer 1

Mirage is an optical illusion caused due to total internal reflection of light. The light gets refracted when it passes from cold to hot air and so light bends. The refracted light reaches to a point where the light tends to form an angle of 90 degree. Mirage is a phenomenon which can be seen when the surface air gets heated up and it becomes lighter. Lighter air moves up in the atmoshphere. When the lighter air from cooler areas to warmer areas are refracted and they bent upwards. It usually occurs in deserts. It occurs in hot atmospheric conditions.