Question:
The apparent flattening of the sun at sunset and sunrise is due to
The apparent flattening of the sun at sunset and sunrise is due to
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Atmospheric refraction is also responsible for the "advanced sunrise" and "delayed sunset," allowing us to see the sun for about 2 minutes before it actually crosses the horizon and 2 minutes after it has set.
Updated On: May 6, 2026
- refraction
- diffraction
- total internal reflection
- interference
- polarization
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
When light passes from one medium to another with a different optical density, its path bends This is known as atmospheric refraction when it involves the Earth's atmosphere
• Density Gradient: The atmosphere is denser near the Earth's surface and becomes thinner with altitude
• Bending of Light: Light from the sun near the horizon passes through thick layers of air and bends towards the normal
Step 1: Analyze the visual effect at the horizon.
When the sun is near the horizon, light rays from its bottom edge pass through slightly denser air than rays from its top edge . This causes the bottom of the sun to be refracted (lifted) more than the top.
Step 2: Conclusion on the observed shape.
Because the bottom part of the sun appears higher than it actually is, more so than the top part, the vertical diameter appears shortened. This results in the "apparent flattening" or oval shape of the sun during sunrise and sunset .
• Density Gradient: The atmosphere is denser near the Earth's surface and becomes thinner with altitude
• Bending of Light: Light from the sun near the horizon passes through thick layers of air and bends towards the normal
Step 1: Analyze the visual effect at the horizon.
When the sun is near the horizon, light rays from its bottom edge pass through slightly denser air than rays from its top edge . This causes the bottom of the sun to be refracted (lifted) more than the top.
Step 2: Conclusion on the observed shape.
Because the bottom part of the sun appears higher than it actually is, more so than the top part, the vertical diameter appears shortened. This results in the "apparent flattening" or oval shape of the sun during sunrise and sunset .
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