everyday science MCQ #50912

A mirage appears on a hot desert road, making the road appear wet in the distance. Which optical phenomenon is responsible for this illusion?

everyday science MCQ #50912

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A mirage appears on a hot desert road, making the road appear wet in the distance. Which optical phenomenon is responsible for this illusion?

    • A) Total internal reflection of light from the sky, caused by a layer of extremely hot air near the road surface that has a lower refractive index than cooler air above
    • B) Diffraction of light waves around dust particles suspended above the hot road surface
    • C) Scattering of blue sky light by fine sand particles on the road, making the road appear reflective
    • D) Dispersion of sunlight into its spectrum by the heat haze, producing a blue-tinted image

    Answer: Total internal reflection of light from the sky, caused by a layer of extremely hot air near the road surface that has a lower refractive index than cooler air above

    Explanation: Near the hot road surface, a layer of air is heated to a very high temperature; this hot air is less dense and has a lower refractive index than the cooler air above.