Explain with an example the effect of atmospheric refraction on a small scale.

Explanation

The effect of atmospheric refraction on a small scale:
i. At the time of holi, objects beyond and above the holi fire appear to be shaking.
ii. The air just above the fire becomes hotter than the air further up. The hot air is lighter (rarer) than the cool air (denser) above it.
iii. Hence, the refractive index of hot air is less than that of cool air.
iv. As the physical conditions of air are not stationary, the apparent position of object changes due to atmospheric refraction of light.