Chapter 16: Problem 2227
It is difficult to see through the fog because (A) light is scattered by the droplets in the fog. (B) fog absorbs light. (C) refractive index of fog is infinity. (D) light suffers total internal refection.
Short Answer
Expert verified
(A) light is scattered by the droplets in the fog.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Options
First, let's take a look at each of the given options:
(A) light is scattered by the droplets in the fog.
(B) fog absorbs light.
(C) refractive index of fog is infinity.
(D) light suffers total internal reflection.
02
Analyze Option A
Fog is made up of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, which can interact with light. When light hits water droplets, the droplets act as a scattering center for the light. The light gets scattered in different directions, which makes it difficult for us to see clearly through the fog.
03
Analyze Option B
Fog doesn't absorb a significant amount of light. If it did, we wouldn't be able to see anything in foggy conditions. Instead, what makes fog difficult to see through is the scattering of light.
04
Analyze Option C
The refractive index of a material represents the speed at which light travels through the material, compared to the speed of light in a vacuum. A refractive index of infinity would mean that light does not propagate through the material at all. However, we know that light does travel through fog, albeit with difficulty, so this explanation is not correct.
05
Analyze Option D
Total internal reflection occurs when light tries to pass from one medium to another medium with a lower refractive index, at an angle greater than the critical angle. In this situation, the light is completely reflected within the first medium. This phenomenon does not explain the difficulty in seeing through fog, as the light is not reflected back but rather scattered.
06
Choose the Correct Answer
Based on our understanding of each option, we can see that option (A) - "light is scattered by the droplets in the fog" - best explains why it is difficult to see through fog.
So, the correct answer is: (A) light is scattered by the droplets in the fog.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Fog Droplets
When we talk about fog, we're referring to a cloud of tiny water droplets suspended close to the ground. Each droplet is minuscule, yet they play a powerful role in transforming how we perceive light. When light beams hit these droplets, each droplet acts like a miniature prism, scattering light in various directions. This scattering effect is why fog creates that hazy appearance and obscures vision.
Essentially, when light passes through fog, it no longer travels in a straight line to our eyes. Instead:
Essentially, when light passes through fog, it no longer travels in a straight line to our eyes. Instead:
- The light rays bounce off the surface of countless droplets.
- These droplets redirect the light irregularly.
- This process prevents us from seeing forms and colors as clearly as we would in clear air.
Refractive Index
The refractive index is an important concept in optics. It denotes how much light slows down when moving through a substance compared to its speed in a vacuum. This is crucial for understanding why materials like water and glass can bend light. The refractive index is a measure of how much the path of light is bent, or refracted, when entering a material.
If fog had an infinite refractive index, it would mean light couldn't pass through it at all. Here's how it works:
If fog had an infinite refractive index, it would mean light couldn't pass through it at all. Here's how it works:
- The refractive index indicates the degree of bending light undergoes.
- Water (a primary component of fog) has a refractive index of about 1.33.
- This means light slows down a bit as it moves through water compared to a vacuum.
Total Internal Reflection
Total internal reflection is a phenomena that occurs when light tries to pass from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index, at a specific angle greater than the "critical angle." In this case, instead of moving into the new medium, the light reflects entirely back into the original medium.
This effect is why diamonds sparkle and how fiber optic cables work. For total internal reflection to happen:
This effect is why diamonds sparkle and how fiber optic cables work. For total internal reflection to happen:
- The light must move from a dense to a less dense material.
- It must hit the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle unique to those materials.
- The light is then reflected back instead of passing through.