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TBR Physics Book II page 287 #50
“How can a mirage, the result of refraction of light, be distinguished from a real object?”
Answer: Look through a polarizer
TBR’s Explanation: “Refracted light can be polarized, at least partially so. By looking through a polarizer and rotating it, we can see whether the intensity of the light changes. If the intensity does not change, then the light was coming straight from the real object. If the intensity does change, then the light was refracted – the apparent object was mirage”
First, can someone explain in simple terms what a mirage exactly is? Also, why does intensity not changing indicate a real object (and vice versa)?
“How can a mirage, the result of refraction of light, be distinguished from a real object?”
Answer: Look through a polarizer
TBR’s Explanation: “Refracted light can be polarized, at least partially so. By looking through a polarizer and rotating it, we can see whether the intensity of the light changes. If the intensity does not change, then the light was coming straight from the real object. If the intensity does change, then the light was refracted – the apparent object was mirage”
First, can someone explain in simple terms what a mirage exactly is? Also, why does intensity not changing indicate a real object (and vice versa)?
