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When hot air rises from a radiator or heating duct, objects behind it appear to shimmer or waver. What causes this?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Due to the refraction of the light, objects behind the radiator appear to shimmer or waver.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of refraction index

The refraction index is a value calculated from the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a second medium of greater density.

02

Determine the cause of the objects appearing shimmer or waver

The refraction index of the air depends on the temperature of the air and near the radiator with the continuous distribution of the temperature also comes the continuously changing refractive index and light travels in a curvy line when passes through that area so the edges appear curvy.

Thus, due to the refraction, the objects behind the radiator appear to shimmer or waver.

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