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When the refractive index of the air varies with altitude ... if there is a vertical gradient

of temperature, pressure, and/or humidity ... electromagnetic radiation, such as light or

radio, will be refracted upward or downward as it makes its way through the air.

Utterly fascinatingly, this is the reason that legends of flying horses and magic carpets

were born in places with the steepest gradients of atmospheric refractivity, like the

Arabian desert.

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13y ago

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In which of the following would refraction occur?

Refraction occurs when light passes through a medium with a different density, such as air to water or air to glass.


What are the three conditions that must be met for refraction to occur?

For refraction to occur, the three conditions that must be met are: 1) The light must travel through different mediums with different optical densities, such as air and water. 2) The light must strike the boundary between the two mediums at an angle. 3) The light must not be incident perpendicular to the boundary.


Is there a word for light refraction?

The word is rainbow. Rainbows occur when light is reflected inside droplets of water and then refracted out into the air.


What has to be different to allow refraction to occur?

Refraction occurs when light passes between materials of different optical densities, causing a change in its speed and direction. The change in speed must be coupled with a change in direction to enable refraction to occur.


What conditions does rust occur in?

damp conditions with ready access to air


What are the 3 conditions that must be met for refraction to occur?

For refraction to occur, the light must be passing from one medium to another, the angle of incidence must be different between the two mediums, and the speed of light must change as it travels between the two mediums.


What are the conditions necessary for refraction?

Refraction occurs when light passes from one medium to another of different optical density. The speed of light must change as it travels from one medium to another at an angle, causing it to bend. The angle of incidence must also be different from the angle of refraction for refraction to occur.


For refraction to occur in a wave the wave must?

For refraction to occur in a wave, the wave must enter a new medium at an angle.


What is the optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions?

A mirage is an optical illusion which is caused by atmospheric conditions. This is often due to the refraction of light from the sky by heated air.


Does refraction occur only if rays are straight up and down?

No, refraction can occur whenever light rays pass through a medium with a different optical density. The amount of refraction depends on the angle at which the light rays enter the medium, not just if they are straight up and down.


What is the index of refraction of air at room temperature?

The index of refraction of air at room temperature is approximately 1.0003.


What is refraction in wheat?

Refraction in wheat refers to the bending of light as it passes through the different layers of the wheat plant. This bending occurs due to the change in speed of light as it moves from one medium (such as air) to another (such as the plant tissue). Refraction is essential for photosynthesis to occur in wheat plants.