Magnificant decrease in water?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

SamuelTesla

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
286
Reaction score
4
If you look through a glass magnifying glass under water, as opposed to in air, the magnification decreases. Can someone explain to me why?

I thought it would be opposite. Since the index of refraction is more for water, the angle of refraction would be greater in water (as opposed to air). Since the angel of refraction is greater, the image height will be greater (relative to the normal). Since the height of the image will be greater in water, shouldn't the magnification increase?

(This is a question from EK Physics, page 151, question 179)

Members don't see this ad.
 
magnification via lens rely on light bending via refraction. the greater the difference in refractive index between the lens and the air, the more the light can be bent. you could never, for example, make a lens out of air. water and glass have less of a difference than glass and air, so the magnification goes down concordantly
 
Top