Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Mirage (a naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which displaced image of a distant object or the sky is seen) is observed in deserts due to refraction.
  2. An air bubble under water shines brightly due to total internal reflection.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. A mirage is caused by the total internal reflection of light at layers of air of different densities. Statement (2) is correct. Water bubbles shine because of total internal reflection. The speed of light is faster inside an air bubble than in water. Thus, the light gets reflected away from the bubble around outside, looking like a mirror.

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