Using a Diagram,if Necessary,show Why an Inferior Mirage Produces an Inverted

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is An inferior mirage occurs when there is a temperature gradient in the atmosphere, causing light to refract and create an image below the actual object. This phenomenon is often seen on hot roads or deserts, where the air close to the ground is significantly hotter than the air above it.

To understand why an inferior mirage produces an inverted image, let's consider the diagram below:

```
Actual Object
|
|
|
|
|
------------------|--------------------
|
| Inverted Image
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|
|
```

In the diagram, the "Actual Object" is represented by a simple vertical line. As light from the actual object travels towards the observer's eye, it encounters the temperature gradient in the atmosphere. This causes the light to refract and bend, creating an inverted image below the actual object.

The inversion of the image occurs because the light rays from the top of the object are bent more than the light rays from the bottom of the object. This results in the top of the inverted image being formed before the bottom, creating the inverted appearance.

In summary, an inferior mirage produces an inverted image due to the refraction of light caused by a temperature gradient in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can be explained using a diagram to illustrate how the light rays create an inverted image below the actual object.

Using a Diagram,if Necessary,show Why an Inferior Mirage Produces an Inverted

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