Mirages: Refraction or Total Internal Reflection?

Aruna_Tripathi

What process is responsible for the formation of mirage: Refraction or Total Internal Reflection?

I think either can be true but what will you mark when both are given in the options?

422

mirage occurs when refraction reaches a point where total internal reflection occurs. so if both are given :-

1) refraction = this would be correct if it was the only choice. if only refraction occurred without reaching a critical angle, which is necessary for total internal reflection, mirage would not be formed. this is necessary but not sufficient condition for mirage.

2) total internal reflection = this choice includes refraction in the first place. this is essential condition for mirage to occurr

So 2) total internal reflection should be correct choice in case both are given. this is explained very well in general studies manual of TMH.

Aruna_Tripathi

Hmm....
I marked refraction thinking that total internal reflection is in turn caused by refraction and hence the ultimate phenomenon responsilbe would be refraction.

More so because the question immediately preceding this one was : which phenomenon is responsible for the brightness of diamonds? (total internal reflection)

Now what's the probability of there being same answer for both the questions!! ~X(

raipuriya

Hmm....
I marked refraction thinking that total internal reflection is in turn caused by refraction and hence the ultimate phenomenon responsilbe would be refraction.
...... phenomenon is responsible for the brightness of diamonds? (total internal reflection) ~X(

@Aruna_Tripathi : the emoticon u used states exactly what i feel, when i check the answers of any paper :P